The Xuelong ( pronounced shway-long, for "Snow Dragon" ) is China's only polar ice breaker. Built in 1993, the vessel has been used to resupply Chinese antarctic stations and to conduct research in antarctic waters. In 1999, Xuelong began an ongoing series of expeditions to arctic waters as well, in cooperation with the research programs of several other nations. At 167 meters in length, the Xuelong is a major icebreaker, fully capable of operations in all polar seas and with a full complement of onboard science equipment and laboratories.