China's Xuelong-2 Completes 41st Antarctic Expedition, Pioneering Ross Sea Research

China's icebreaker Xuelong-2 concluded its 41st Antarctic expedition, arriving in Haikou on Wednesday after a 208-day voyage. The expedition marked China's first autumn research campaign in the Ross Sea ecosystem. The team conducted 24 oceanographic surveys and deployed 34 observation buoys. More than 5,000 samples were collected, including water, sediment, and biological specimens. Twelve scientists from eight countries participated, fostering international cooperation. Xuelong-2 also visited Thailand, marking the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand relations. The expedition highlighted China's expanding role in Antarctic science and global environmental governance. It underscored China's commitment to scientific discovery and collaborative stewardship.