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BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government reiteratedits commitment to the peaceful development and research ofAntarctica as the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)opened in Beijing Tuesday.

This is China's first time hosting the meeting, an annualdecision-making mechanism established under the the AntarcticTreaty.

Peaceful, stable, green and sustainable development ofAntarctica is in line with the common interests for mankind and astrong commitment to future generations, said Chinese Vice PremierZhang Gaoli when addressing the opening ceremony.

China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and became aconsultative member two years later.

In the past three decades, China has sent nearly 6,000professionals to Antarctica since the nation dispatched its firstAntarctic expedition team in November 1984.

Chinese leaders have stressed on various occasions the need tobetter protect and research Antarctica due to its special locationand environment.

To review its progress on Antarctica, China on Monday publishedthe first full report on its study and use of the region over thepast 30 years, titled "China's Antarctic Activities."

According to the report by China's State Oceanic Administration,the country has so far opened four research bases -- the Great Wallstation, Zhongshan station, Kunlun station and Taishan station --and established the Polar Research Institute of China in Shanghaiin addition to sailing the icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

The number of papers on Antarctic studies published by Chinesescientists and included by the Science Citation Index (SCI) hasrisen from 19 in 1999 to 157 in 2016, leading China to rank amongthe top 10 countries.

China has a relatively short history of study in Antarctica, butthe progress it has achieved, especially in the past few years, hasbeen huge, said Qin Weijia, director of the Chinese Arctic andAntarctic Administration.

China also raised its financial inputs in Antarctic research. Inthe past 15 years from 2001 to 2016, China invested 310 millionyuan (about 45 million U.S. dollars) in related projects -- 18times the total for the years 1985 to 2000.

Antarctic research has remained one of the most difficult topicsdue to the lack of research data, said Qin.

China is not yet a global leader in Antarctic research, Qinsaid, but as the country grows in technology and overall nationalpower, it is willing to contribute more to a better understandingof Antarctica.

China pays close attention to cooperation and sharing ofinformation in the study of Antarctica. The Chinese National Arcticand Antarctic Data Center has provided data for more than 100international projects and more than 10 countries.

"In past years, China has cooperated with more and morecountries in various aspects such as policy making, expeditions andscientific studies," said China's Vice Foreign Minister LiuZhenmin.

According to "China's Antarctic Activities," from 2016 to 2020,China plans to elevate its Antarctic activities to a higher level,including installing new Antarctic stations and deploying new andadvanced icebreakers.

"Down the road, China is willing to join hands with the rest ofthe international community in understanding, protecting and usingAntarctica," said the report.

Some 400 delegates from 44 countries and 10 internationalorganizations which have signed the Antarctic Treaty attended the40th ATCM in Beijing. Enditem