U.S. to present Antarctic inspection report at May 2026 treaty meeting in Hiroshima

A U.S. government team led by the Department of State and including the National Science Foundation and a referenced "Department of War" inspected five foreign research stations in Antarctica from January 16–20, 2026 (Australia’s Davis and Law, China’s Zhongshan, India’s Bharati, and Russia’s Progress). The inspection — the United States' 16th since 1963 — checks compliance with the Antarctic Treaty System, including prohibitions on military activities and mining. The U.S. will present its inspection report at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Hiroshima in May 2026; Australia and New Zealand provided logistical assistance.