BEIJING - China will launch its 30th expedition to the Antarctic region, as well as its sixth Arctic expedition, this year.

It will also work to build more Antarctic research bases, according to a document released at the national maritime work conference held on Thursday.

The document also urged deepened research efforts regarding the protection of the country's strategic interests in the Arctic region.

Authorities will ensure the quality of newly-built icebreakers and will purchase more planes for scientific expeditions, the document said.

( Xinhua)