UPDATE 1-China opens Antarctic station south of Australia, New Zealand

China on Wednesday inaugurated its Ross Sea scientific research station, the official Xinhua news agency reported, starting operations in an outpost in a part of the Antarctic due south of Australia and New Zealand for the first time. Resembling a crucifix, like the Crux constellation or the Southern Cross, the Qinling station will be staffed year-round with quarters sufficient to house as many as 80 people in the summer months, official media has previously said. Perched on the rocky coast of Inexpressible Island in the icy Ross Sea, Qinling is also situated near the permanently inhabited U.S. McMurdo station.