China has proposed hosting the secretariat for a newly ratified treaty designed to protect the high seas. The bid, announced Friday, is seen as a move by Beijing to increase its influence over global environmental governance.
A New Treaty, A New Secretariat
According to a letter from the Chinese mission to the United Nations to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, China has nominated the city of Xiamen to host the treaty’s secretariat. The treaty, which officially comes into force on Saturday, was ratified in September by 60 countries and aims to protect biodiversity in waters beyond national economic zones.
Currently, Belgium and Chile are also vying to host the organization. Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, described China’s bid as a “notable move” signaling “China’s intention to help shape global rules.”
Context of Shifting Global Roles
China’s announcement follows a recent decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from 66 global organizations and treaties, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC is the foundational treaty for all major international climate agreements, with near-universal ratification.
The new treaty aims to safeguard the oceans, which conservationists say are responsible for creating half of the globe’s oxygen supply and are vital in the fight against climate change. Once operational, the treaty’s decision-making body will need to coordinate with existing regional and global organizations, such as regional fisheries bodies and the International Seabed Authority, which currently oversee various aspects of ocean management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this new treaty?
The treaty aims to protect biodiverse areas in waters worldwide, extending beyond countries’ exclusive economic zones.
Which countries were previously considered to host the secretariat?
Until now, Belgium and Chile had been vying to host the future organization.
When will the host country be decided?
The host country of the eventual secretariat will be decided later this year.
As the international community moves forward with implementing this landmark treaty, will China’s bid for the secretariat prove successful, and what impact might that have on the future of ocean conservation?
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