China has vowed to strengthen its capacity to undertake polar region expeditions, following President Xi Jinping's visit to a Chinese icebreaker in Australia.
Xi boarded the icebreaker called Xuelong, or "Snow Dragon", and while on the vessel, visited an exhibition marking the 30th anniversary of China's polar expeditions, Xinhua reported Wednesday.
He also spoke to the crew members and wished their ongoing mission a success.
The Xuelong icebreaker is berthing at the Hobart port in Australia for replenishment.
An icebreaker is a special-purpose ship or boat designed to navigate through ice-covered waters, and provide safe passage for other vessels.
Encouraged by the President Xi's visit, the staff of the maritime administration in China held a series of seminars Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing and Shanghai to discuss the country's maritime strategy.
Liu Cigui, director of China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA), said the focus of their work should be on strengthening the capacity of expedition in polar regions, with more support to the exploration of Antarctica.