Former vice president of PICC              Qiao Lin

My first impression of Antarctica is quiet--quiet and peaceful. In Antarctica, except the sound of waves and wind and sometimes the sound of penguins and sea birds, I can barely hear any other. When we landed, sitting on the snow mountain and looking up at the blue sky, ocean and snow, we could even hear our breath and heart beats. Being far away from the noisy city, it was quiet around me and I gradually calmed down. I suddenly felt that human beings were so tiny and the high position and great wealth were so insignificant in front of the spectacular nature. Therefore, all the troubles were vanished. What a surprise and enjoyment the feeling is!

Antarctica is quiet and peaceful. There’s no aggressive exploitation, war or terrorist attack. This peaceful environment is precious and attractive for those who were deeply troubled by war and terrorist attack.

However Antarctica was once noisy and unpeaceful. We have visited an abandoned fish oil processing plant, where thousands of whales were killed and the gulf was polluted by the blood. Antarctica is rich in mineral resources and has the biggest gold mine in the world. With the current scientific and technological level of course we have the ability to exploit them. Many countries also had their territorial claim on Antarctica. Thanks to the Antarctic Treaty signed by related countries in 1959, the Antarctica remains unexploited and no countries fight with each other for interests. The treaty stipulated that for the sake of all human beings, Antarctica is only for peace and only scientific expeditions and international cooperation are available there. Any kind of military activities are banned as well as any territorial claims. Human interests outweigh state interests. The treaty have guaranteed the peace of Antarctica for over 50 years, which saved the last pure land for human beings and set an example to properly handle the international disputes.

When talking about Antarctic spirits, we highly praise the Antarctic spirit of peace. Actually we are praising our rational spirits in front of huge interests. It’s the symbol of the maturity of human civilization. Without our rational spirits, Antarctic Treaty might be a mere scrap of paper.

Nowadays the world is noisy and unpeaceful. If Antarctic forum could stand on the position to safeguard the common interests of all human beings and do something to advocate the rational spirits represented by Antarctic Treaty, protect the survival environment and find peaceful solutions for international conflicts, it will definitely benefit human beings and enjoy great reputation all over the world!