Pausing, the press secretary sighed and continued solemnly, "It is as you said—we violated the Antarctic Treaty, and it's the indisputable truth. However, the Japanese press secretary's statement and my explanation also hold water. The deployment is not intended for any hostile takeover or deliberate violation of the treaty.

"It is an obligation towards allied nations, the South Pole and all of humankind. That's why we will submit a report to the UN at a later date and willingly accept any sanc