Tasmania’s strong Antarctic links were further strengthened today with a very productive meeting in Beijing with the State Oceanic Administration of China.
Last year, the Tasmanian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SOAC with the purpose of increasing collaboration in Antarctic science.
Today’s meeting progresses that MOU.
The MOU will see Tasmania and China explore opportunities in the area of research and logistic support for the Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) in Hobart.
It was agreed today that meetings be held in Tasmania to coincide with the annual visit by the Antarctic vessel the Xue-Long.
The SOAC will also give close consideration to setting up a permanent presence in Hobart.
As well as agreeing to increase exchange and research students, SOAC and the Ministry of Education will make scholarships available for postgraduate research students to come to Tasmania.
This is another important step in building our already strong friendship with China and we look forward to progressing this relationship in the future.