As usual no reasoning was provided as to why Russia and China might block such a motion, the implication being that its because they're evil, hate nature and cute animals, and want to destroy the environment. I'm sure there must be sensible reasons why Russia and China don't want these reserves. Are they proposed for areas which China/Russia have interest in in Antarctica which would limit their operations? What do they do down there anyway? Is the Antarctic a useful surveillance/espionage outpost? Are there nuclear weapons in Antarctica? I have no idea, I'd love if anyone can educate me a bit on Antarctic geopolitics.
hugely appreciative of this effortpost comrade. that's pretty interesting the thing about China not being able to contribute to policing of the rule and as such not wanting to entrust this entirely to the west. while I always want to learn two sides to the story and err on the side of trusting China over the west, I guess it doesn't always mean everything they do is defensible or the "morally correct" path as well. I'm not so dogmatic that I will refuse to acknowledge China doing something I disagree with even if I support China on the whole. Not saying that's necessarily the case in this situation though, its too hard to say without more information available.