China embarks on sixth Arctic trek to explore the North Pole

China's sixth Arctic expedition will set off from Shanghai on July 11 to study the North Pole and how changes in the region's climate are affecting the world.

Sixty-five scientists will take part in the 76-day expedition, including three from the United States and one each from Germany, Russia and France. It will be China's sixth trip to the region since 1999.

"Exploring the Arctic Ocean is vital to understanding the link between climate change in the Arctic and increasing extreme weather events in China," said Wang Yong, head of the division of science programs of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.