China is preparing to build its sixth research station in Antarctica, expanding into Marie Byrd Land — a remote, little-studied stretch of the continent's west.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie is among those concerned about Australia's defence priorities.
China says the new base will support research into climate change, ice sheets and marine systems.
The US operates three permanent year-round bases.
Jiliang Chen, a lecturer in Antarctic law and governance at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, sees the new station mainly as a matter of prestige.
China's new station is being developed as per the Antarctic Treaty System's environmental assessment procedures.
Under the Antarctic Treaty, member states cannot veto a proposed new station.
The treaty was originally signed by 12 countries in 1959 and designed to ensure the use of the area for peaceful purposes only and the protection of the environment.
Mr Chen said a stronger physical presence helped consolidate China's role in future decisions on the continent.
Tony Press, the former head of the Australian Antarctic Division, said he believed mining and military fears were exaggerated.
Unlike China's year-round Quinling station, the new base would run only in summer — the profile of a strategic outpost, Mr Press said.
China joined the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, because of its interest in Antarctic fishing, Mr Chen said.
Nearly half of Antarctica's 60 emperor penguin colonies have suffered increased or total breeding failure since 2016 as sea ice they depend on has retreated, according to researchers from the British Antarctic Survey.