China to legislate on Antarctic operation and protection: official

China will make a domestic law on Antarctic operation and environment protection in line with the Antarctic Treaty's principles and requirements, said an official with the country's national legislature Saturday.

Photo taken on Feb. 15, 2019 shows penguins on an iceberg in Antarctica. [Photo: Xinhua/Liu Shiping]

The legislation is aimed at clarifying relevant departments' responsibilities and regulating participants' activities in Antarctica, said Cheng Lifeng, a member of the Environment Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual legislative session.

China, a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty system, plays an important role in international affairs regarding Antarctica, he said, noting that the country is obliged to turn the principles and requirements of the Antarctic Treaty system into domestic law.

Cheng said his committee is busy with drafting the law, which is included in a legislation plan of the 13th NPC Standing Committee.