On Problems of Establishing State Sovereignty over Antarctic Territories: China’s International Legal Position

INTRODUCTION. The Antarctic region is unique in terms of organizing effective management by a large number of states at the same time. For this purpose, the Antarctic Treaty was concluded, which made it possible to prevent the conflicts. Nevertheless, not long ago the concept of territorial division of this region has been actively discussed. China, being one of the most economic rapidly developing states, which implies its interest in strengthening its influence in the Antarctic region, also actively participates in solving the problems related to the legal regulation of the Antarctic region. The purpose of the article is to determine the position of China in relation to the activities in the Antarctic region in general, as well as, establishing state sovereignty over the territories of Antarctica.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The research uses various documents of international legal nature, including international treaties, doctrinal sources and national legislation of foreign countries. The research is carried out with the use of general scientific and special scientific methods. RESEARCH RESULTS. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Chinese international legal doctrine concerning the establishment of state sovereignty over the Antarctic territories and makes assumptions on further development of China in the Antarctic region. The main directions of China’s activity, including related to national security and extraction of natural resources, were analyzed. The provisions of the “White Book of China on Antarctica” were also analyzed. In addition, China’s initiatives concerning the establishment of Marine Protected Areas, Specially Managed Areas were examined. The question of whether China has its own Antarctic policy was answered.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The examination of the problems of establishing state sovereignty over the Antarctic territories from the point of view of China allows us to conclude that at the moment China does not have a developed Antarctic policy and is at the stage of its formation. China’s attempts to influence the Antarctic management system began in 2005, when the establishment of the Specially Managed Areas was suggested. Since then, China’s influence has continued to grow. China acted and continues to act in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty System, which indicates that China is not willing to change the system of management of the region to the system of territorial division. At the moment, China’s interests in Antarctica are characterized by an increased focus on scientific research, environmental protection and international cooperation. China’s influence in the region is expected to increase.