The State Department said Thursday that it led an inspection of five foreign research stations, installations, and equipment in Antarctica over the past week as part of its effort to safeguard American national security interests in the region.

The inspections began last Friday and concluded Tuesday, and were done in conjunction with government officials from the National Science Foundation and Department of War. 

The team inspected two of Australia's stations, China’s Zhongshan station, India’s Bharati station, and Russia’s Progress station, according to the department.

"The United States continues to safeguard our national security interests and demonstrate leadership in Antarctica by ensuring the continent remains reserved for peaceful purposes only," the department said in a news release. 

The inspections marked the United States' 16th inspection of foreign research stations in Antarctica since 1963.

The results of the inspections will be released in May at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Hiroshima, Japan.

Misty Severi is a reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.