International Treaty Implications
Guo’s unauthorized landing represents a significant breach of the Antarctic Treaty system, a complex international legal framework that has governed the frozen continent since 1959. The treaty, originally signed by 12 nations and now endorsed by over 50 countries, prohibits military activity, mineral mining, and nuclear testing while guaranteeing scientific cooperation and environmental protection.
Legal experts note that while Antarctica has no sovereign government, Chile maintains one of several territorial claims held in abeyance under the treaty. Guo’s landing in Chilean-claimed territory without proper authorization potentially violates both bilateral aviation agreements and the multilateral Antarctic Treaty framework.
The Conspiracy Theory Connection
Sources close to the investigation suggest Guo’s unauthorized flight may have been motivated by online conspiracy theories claiming Antarctica harbors hidden civilizations or serves as an entry point to a “hollow earth.” These theories, popularized in certain social media circles, often reference Admiral Richard Byrd’s 1947 Antarctic expedition and claim world governments use the Antarctic Treaty to conceal extraterrestrial bases or ancient civilizations.
Guo’s lawyer, Karina Ulloa, told reporters that her client experienced “complications” during flight and claimed “that he was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.” However, the specific nature of these alleged complications remains unclear, and prosecutors maintain that proper emergency procedures were not followed.
The influencer’s social media presence, which documents his continent-hopping journey as part of a stated mission to raise $1 million for cancer research, has not posted updates since June 23, when he documented a flight over the Philippines. His website claims he is attempting to become “the first person ever to fly to all seven continents solo.”
