China has proposed a draft legislation titled the Antarctic Activities and Environmental Protection Law to regulate all China-linked activities in Antarctica, signalling a move to formalise its growing presence on the southern continent. The draft law was submitted for first reading to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on December 23, 2025, according to media reports.
The proposed legislation consists of seven chapters and 57 articles and seeks to establish a comprehensive domestic legal framework governing expeditions, scientific research, fisheries, tourism and shipping activities in Antarctica. It applies not only to Chinese citizens and organisations but also to foreign entities that organise Antarctic activities from within China or depart from Chinese ports.
A key focus of the draft law is the emphasis on peaceful use and environmental protection in line with the Antarctic Treaty System, a group of international agreements that govern activities in Antarctica. The legislation explicitly prohibits military activities, including combat operations, weapons testing, troop deployment and strategic military use. Limited military involvement is permitted only to support peaceful objectives such as logistics or emergency assistance.
The draft law also bans mineral resource exploitation, except when carried out for scientific research purposes. It introduces provisions for environmental impact assessments, supervision and monitoring mechanisms, and accountability measures in the event of environmental damage or accidents. Issues related to Antarctic tourism, waste management and marine pollution are also addressed under the proposed framework.
By introducing domestic legislation on Antarctic governance, China appears to be seeking greater regulatory control over its polar activities while reinforcing its commitment to existing international norms. The move comes amid increasing global attention on Antarctica as climate change, scientific research and strategic interests converge on the region.