Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether military activities have been detected in the bases belonging to the People’s Republic of China in the Antarctic; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Alan Duncan, Minister of State for Europe and the Americas at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: No military activities have been detected in the bases belonging to the People's Republic of China in the Antarctic. The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent the use of military personnel or equipment for scientific research or for any other peaceful purpose. All inspections and observations of Chinese Antarctic scientific stations have concluded that operations are in full compliance with the Antarctic Treaty. Along with other Parties, the UK will also continue to monitor closely activities by China and other states to ensure compliance with the Antarctic Treaty.

Hansard

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