Members for a new scientific research station at the Ross Sea jog on China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Dec. 3, 2023. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Xinhua/Zhou Yuan)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 3, 2023 shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 breaking ice and ploughing a waterway. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Photo by Zhu He/Xinhua)

A bird is pictured near China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Dec. 3, 2023. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Photo by Li Jingshi/Xinhua)

This aerial photo taken on Dec. 3, 2023 shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 (near) breaking ice and ploughing a waterway for cargo vessel Tian Hui. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Photo by Zhu He/Xinhua)

An iceberg is pictured near China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Dec. 3, 2023. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Photo by Li Jingshi/Xinhua)

A penguin is pictured near China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Dec. 3, 2023. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and its companion cargo vessel Tian Hui are now sailing through ice floes. (Photo by Li Jingshi/Xinhua)