China's Xuelong icebreaker (File photo)

China will form an Antarctic aviation team in 2016 to further explore the Antarctic area, according to China's top oceanic administration.

To further promote Antarctic exploration project, China plans to form an aviation team in the area in 2016 and to primarily set up a ground-sea-air observation platform, China's State Oceanic Administration said. The administration also plans to develop device supporting systems and space, remote sensing, ice and maritime exploration technology that can be used in a polar environment. China also plans to establish long-term, systematic and internet-oriented comprehensive service systems for polar exploration and application.

China's deep-sea submersible vessel Jiaolong (File photo)

To further explore the ocean, China plans to conduct a deep-sea mine exploration project, deep-sea detection project, deep-sea bio-diversity research and resource detection and development project and to establish a deep-sea docking station and a platform to share national large-size deep-diving devices like the "Jiaolong".

Furthermore, the administration prepares to complete the 7th North Pole scientific exploration and to conduct the first Sino-Russian joint Arctic Ocean exploration. At the same time, the administration urges to finish the 39th and 40th scientific surveys.

An official at the administration said that during the 13th Five-Year Plan, China will integrate oceanic exploration with the internet and big data.