China Champions Global Ocean Health

China has demonstrated significant commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity through tangible actions and expertise. The nation played a pivotal role in facilitating the conclusion of a crucial UN agreement concerning marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which entered into force earlier this year.

Advocating for equitable global ocean governance, China championed a benefit-sharing mechanism that includes both monetary and non-monetary aspects, safeguarding the interests of developing countries. The country also promotes an integrated approach to biodiversity protection and sustainable marine resource utilization, alongside enhanced procedural transparency.

As an early signatory, China is actively implementing the agreement, offering access to its research platforms, including deep-sea submersibles like Jiaolong and Fendouzhe, and research vessels. This has facilitated the sharing of scientific results with international partners. Furthermore, China has preserved approximately 60,000 marine microbial samples, establishing repositories and databases to aid access.

China's commitment extends to supporting developing nations in environmental impact assessments and fostering marine cooperation through agreements with over 50 countries and organizations. It has co-established more than 40 marine research centers and laboratories, implementing numerous conservation projects to bolster the capabilities of the Global South. The country has also applied to host the agreement's Secretariat in Xiamen, further underscoring its dedication to international ocean stewardship and addressing the lack of UN ocean bodies' headquarters in Asia.