Xuelong heads off for Antarctic expedition

Chinese icebreaker Xuelong has left the southern port city of Guangzhou for a 162-day Antarctic expedition yesterday, SinoShipNews reports.

The research team is expected to conduct comprehensive research and evaluation of the Antarctic mainland environment as well as its surrounding waters and a significant part of the mission will also include looking for a location for the country's fourth station in the region and second-phase construction of the Kunlun Station.

"A polar scientific expedition is an important realm where our country seeks to ensure its national interests, and it's also closely related to the global climate, eco-environment, the future development of human society and other major topics," said Liu Xigui, head of  State Oceanic Administration, at the launch ceremony.