bacterium from freezing in the icy-cold waters of Antarctica . ( Source : Eindhoven University of Technology )
Sunken lost continent Zealandia
An expedition was launched at the end of July 2017 to help solve the mysteries of what could be Australia ' s seventh state - an underwater continent to the country ' s east . A continent twothirds the size of Australia was believed to have been found beneath the south-west Pacific Ocean , and named Zealandia just 22 years ago . The expedition led by The Australian National University will also look at the Pacific Ring of Fire , which is a hotspot for volcanoes and earthquakes . Zealandia , including today ’ s Lord Howe Rise , was once largely part of Australia . Zealandia covers 5 million square kilometres , and extends from south of New Zealand across to New Caledonia and west to Australia .
China ’ s secret threat to Australia ’ s Antarctic claim , report reveals
The following report appeared on News . com on 18 th August 2017 10 : AUSTRALIA must wise up to secret Chinese military activities and the threat of a land grab for resources in Antarctica , a report warns . Research from defence think tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute says Australia ’ s leadership role is being eroded because of longterm under-investment at a time when other countries are expanding their presence and influence in the region . “ China has conducted undeclared military activities in Antarctica , is building up a case for a territorial claim , and is engaging in minerals exploration there ,” the report says .
“ The calculation that the Australian government has long made in short-changing Antarctic affairs in order to boost activities up north is looking increasingly risky .” Beijing is operating two icebreakers down south and has a third under construction . The report , by Anne-Marie Brady , noted three out of four of China ’ s Antarctic bases and two of its field camps are in the Australian Antarctic Territory , which spans 42 % of the continent .
It ’ s in Australia ’ s national interest that Antarctica remains free from military competition , the report argues . “ With careful diplomacy , a clear-headed strategy and leadership , and strategic investments in capacity , Australia can better manage its economic and political relationship with China while protecting its own national interests in Antarctica ,” the report said .
FOOTNOTES appear on the last page of this issue .