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 will take more steps to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai by leveraging the municipality's role as an international financial center, according to a plan jointly issued by the central bank, the Shanghai municipal government and other financial authorities.
The plan outlines 18 key measures including improving cross-border settlement efficiency, strengthening the hedging of foreign exchange risks, and enhancing the insurance sector's services for export companies.
China will further optimize the management and operation of foreign exchange business, and encourage corporate groups to establish fund pools in Shanghai to achieve efficient onshore management and use of global funds.
The country will also support financial institutions to enhance their capacity to provide digital services and improve services for enterprises to expand abroad by leveraging technologies such as blockchain.
Efforts will be made to enhance the functionality and global coverage of the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System and encourage more banks to participate in the system, according to the plan.
The plan underscores the need to develop diversified products and services to hedge against foreign exchange risks, and to promote cross-border use of the Chinese currency renminbi.
According to the plan, China will increase insurance support for key export enterprises such as domestic commercial aircraft and new energy vehicle companies. The plan also encourages collaboration between insurance companies and reinsurance firms to establish insurance consortiums, thereby enhancing their capacity to cover special risks.
China to further facilitate cross-border financial services in Shanghai
