China launches its 21st scientific expedition to the South Pole on Monday, with 137 scientists on board the ultra-modern icebreaker, the Snow Dragon. 

The 71-day expedition includes 26 research activities, with the most important objective to reach the highest point of Dome-A of an altitude of 4,039 meters and set up a temporary observation station on it.

The scientists will arrive at China's Zhongshan Antarctic Station in early December.

The captain of "Snow Dragon", Shen Quan, says that three of the four extreme points are occupied by America, France and Russia. If Chinese scientists can seize the last one in this trip, China's influence and voice on Antarctic expeditions carry more weight.

(CRI October 25, 2004)