Chinese icebreaker Xuelong 2, currently docked in Thailand for a visit on its return voyage from Antarctica, has set a record of performing the longest single-ship mission in the history of China's Antarctic expeditions.
Xuelong 2 set off for the 41st Chinese Antarctic expedition from south China's Guangzhou on November 1, 2024. It has been on the mission for over seven months and sailed a total of more than 30,000 nautical miles for the Antarctic expedition.
Xiao Zhimin, Xuelong 2's captain, said the ship's long Antarctic voyage could be divided into five phases.
"The first phase began on November 1, 2024, with the departure from Guangzhou, heading toward Antarctica. After it performed icebreaking and pilotage for Xuelong and and completed goods and personnel transfer to the Zhongshan Station, it left the station in early December. The second phase started with the sailing from the Zhongshan Station to the Ross Sea, where we broke ice and navigated for the cargo ship Yongsheng, before we sailed on to the Qinling Station, where we carried out the goods and personnel transfer in late December, when we headed for Lyttelton Port in New Zealand," he said.
The third segment of Xuelong 2's voyage was after it picked up ocean scientific research team members in Lyttelton, it headed for the Amundsen Sea in Antarctica on January 9 this year. In mid-March, it completed the operations in the Amundsen Sea and the Ross Sea and returned to New Zealand for another crew rotation.
In late March, Xuelong 2 entered its fourth phase of the voyage, which is to conduct joint Antarctic autumn expedition in the Ross Sea. After completing this task on April 19, Xuelong 2 formally began its return sailing to China, initiating the fifth and final segment of the journey.
"The entire voyage, from departing the home port to sailing back home, covers a total of over 40,000 nautical miles, crossed the westerlies six times in a total period of more than seven months. It is the longest single-ship mission in the history of China’s Antarctic expeditions," Xiao concluded.
Chinese icebreaker 'Xuelong 2' completes longest single-ship voyage in Antarctic expedition
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
