BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- China will provide active assistance to an ill Australian expeditioner in Antarctica, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

File photo: www.antarctica.gov.au

According to reports, the Chinese and US Antarctic programs are joining hands to transport the patient from Australia's Davis research station in Antarctica back home to Australia.
"This operation is a testament to the strong international cooperation that exists in Antarctica, where nations band together and support each other in what can be a hostile and challenging environment," Kim Ellis, director of the Australian Antarctic Division, was quoted as saying.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press briefing that relevant Chinese departments are actively coordinating a rescue plan for the patient with relevant parties.
"We wish the Australian patient a speedy recovery," he said.