Chinese icebreaker steams for Antarctica in polar power play

BEIJING: The Chinese icebreaker Xuelong steamed south from Shanghai on Wednesday bound for Antarctica, where it will establish China’s newest base as Beijing strives to become a polar power.

China is a latecomer in the race for pole position but its interest in Antarctica has grown along with its economic might. The new station will be the fifth Chinese foothold on the frozen continent, more than some nations that got there earlier.