China's Qinling Station now able to support overwintering in Antarctica

Qinling Station, the newest of China's five Antarctic research outposts, is now fully equipped to support overwintering expeditions, following the completion of the main missions of the country's 41st Antarctic expedition, the Ministry of Natural Resources announced on Tuesday.

Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong returned to Shanghai on Tuesday after completing its mission as part of the 41st Antarctic expedition, while Xuelong 2 is scheduled to return in June after completing the joint voyage in the Ross Sea. The expedition involved 516 members from 118 domestic and international institutions.

During the expedition, the team overcame a range of challenging natural conditions and completed various tasks to improve Qinling Station's capabilities within 65 days. They installed important systems such as new energy, communication, seawater desalination, and wastewater treatment, which make the scientific research station capable of supporting overwintering expeditions.

Currently, 43 team members are stationed there to carry out the overwintering mission.

"During the overwintering mission from March to November this year, we'll continue to push forward the interior architecture engineering of Qinling Station's main building, install pipeline systems, and conduct finishing works like system integration and testing. Construction, testing, and operations will proceed simultaneously to ensure everything at the station runs smoothly and safely," Hu Hongqiao, deputy leader of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team, said at a press conference in Shanghai on Tuesday.

China's Qinling Station now able to support overwintering in Antarctica

China Media Group (CMG) held a symposium in Beijing on Tuesday to mark the 85th anniversary of the founding of the people's radio broadcasting.

Representatives of current and veteran radio hosts, scholars, and audience exchanged views on ways to promote cultural excellence and advance media integration.

The meeting noted that over the past 85 years, the people's radio broadcasting has developed in step with the nation and responded to public expectations.

China has accelerated high-quality development and innovation in radio broadcasting since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012.

In recent years, China has pursued reform and innovation in radio broadcasting within the integrated framework of CMG, which was established in 2018. The sector has achieved a historic leap, featuring enriched content, diversified channels, deepened media convergence, and stronger influence in public opinion.

China commenced the people's radio broadcasting 85 years ago as Yan'an Xinhua Radio Station started broadcasting on Dec 30, 1940. In September 1947, Yan'an Xinhua Radio Station launched its first English program. It moved to Beijing in March 1949 and became a national radio after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

CMG holds symposium to mark 85th anniversary of founding of people's radio broadcasting