China builds fourth Antarctic research camp 'Taishan'

Chinese workers are on their way to build the country's fourth Antarctic research base and a fifth is beingplanned, state-run media said today as the country expands its imprinton the icy continent.

Pictures showed a Chineseicebreaker heading through sheets of broken ice towards the frozencontinent, carrying a reported 256-strong crew.

China is building its fourth Antarctic research site, named Taishan.

A team of 28 people has arrived at the site for the new base after travelling 500 kilometers in seven days.

Taishan's main building is expected to be completed by early February.

The camp will be used during the South Pole's summer from December to March and will provide logistical support and be used to study geology, glaciers, geomagnetism and atmospheric science.