The voyage of two icebreakers have been creating headlines in China

FOR WEEKS Chinese state media have been proudly reporting the progress of two icebreakers, Xue Long and Xue Long 2, on their voyage to Antarctica. China has maintained research bases in the Earth’s southernmost region since the 1980s, but the approach of these vessels (their names mean “snow dragon”) has been described as the start of a “new era” for the country’s exploration there. Of about 20 countries that have year-round bases on the continent, China’s activities are growing fastest.

After crashing through 12-foot waves and nearly 200 nautical miles of ice floes, the two ships drew close to one of China’s stations, called Zhongshan, on Antarctica’s eastern rim (they are pictured, led by Xue Long 2). On November 20th members of the mission’s Communist Party committee flew the final stretch by helicopter, bearing fruit and vegetables for the base’s occupants. It was a moment that China relished. Xue Long is a Ukrainian vessel built in 1993. But the newer of the “twin dragons”, as China’s media calls its only two civilian icebreakers, was launched just last year. It is far more powerful and manoeuvrable. And crucially, as the country’s media keep pointing out, it was made in China.

The country’s leader, Xi Jinping, says...