Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang Thursday called for greater efforts in boosting maritime activities, especially scientific expeditions to polar regions and the oceans.

Li extended New Year's greetings via video signals and phone calls from Beijing Thursday to members who have been performing scientific expedition missions in oceans and polar regions.

He also emphasized the importance of integrating domestic development and opening-up, serving the nation and benefiting mankind.

"Human activities have been spreading at an even faster speed from land to seas and oceans, polar regions, outer space. More and more people have got to know the important effects of the Antarctic, the Arctic and oceans on the global environment and development, "said Li,"a growing number of countries are eyeing the economic and scientific resources hidden there."

Li called on scientific expeditionists and maritime workers to continue to carry forward fine traditions and make greater efforts in furthering scientific expedition and research capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of fostering a professional team to advance the expedition activities to the polar regions and oceans.

China has set up three stations in the Antarctica and an Arctic station known as "Huanghe". China's 26th Antarctic expedition team began its journey Oct. 11 from Shanghai, with participation of 251 scientists, workers and crew members. The expedition will end April 10.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2010)