China’s first domestically built polar icebreaker, Xuelong 2, arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Monday for a five-day visit, marking its maiden voyage to the region. The vessel docked at the Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui after successfully completing its latest Antarctic expedition.
At a welcoming ceremony, John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, lauded the arrival of Xuelong 2 as a significant milestone. \”Xuelong 2 is a testament to China’s advancements in polar exploration technology,\” Lee said. \”Its visit to Hong Kong allows our residents to engage with the nation’s achievements in polar research and underscores the central government’s support for Hong Kong.\”
The icebreaker’s stop in Hong Kong is the first since the original Xuelong visited in 2004, an event remembered fondly by many. Sun Shuxian, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources, recalled, \”Twenty years ago, Xuelong received a warm welcome here. Today, Xuelong 2 continues that legacy, fostering collaboration between mainland and Hong Kong scientific institutions in polar research.\”
Zhang Beichen, Chief Scientist of China’s 40th Antarctic expedition, shared insights into the mission’s accomplishments. \”Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and the cargo ship Tianhui departed from Shanghai on November 1, 2023. Over 161 days, we successfully completed various expedition tasks, covering more than 81,000 nautical miles,\” Zhang said.
Xuelong 2’s visit is expected to enhance public understanding of polar research and encourage future cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong in scientific endeavors. The vessel will be open for limited public tours during its stay, providing a unique opportunity for residents to learn about polar exploration firsthand.
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China's 1st domestically built polar icebreaker Xuelong 2 visits HKSAR
cgtn.com
