China boosts marine research efforts in Nice

China boosts marine research efforts in Nice

China is actively pursuing the domestic ratification process of the High Seas Treaty, a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction [1][5]. The treaty, which regulates about 64% of the ocean and 50% of the Earth's surface, aims to implement measures such as environmental impact assessments, sharing marine genetic resources, and establishing protected areas in international waters [1][5].

The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the treaty on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), was adopted by the United Nations in June 2023 after two decades of negotiations. The treaty's entry into force is contingent on sufficient ratifications, with 50 countries having ratified it so far [2][5]. China has not yet ratified the treaty, but it has publicly announced its intention to do so, a significant commitment given the treaty's requirements for ratification by 60 countries [1][5].

China's active role in the UN Decade of Ocean Science is also noteworthy. During the UN Ocean Conference in 2025, Vice President Han Zheng highlighted initiatives such as launching over 100 bilateral and multilateral marine cooperation programs focused on sustainable ocean use and training 5,000 people from developing countries in marine science [1]. These efforts aim to support the UN's sustainable development goals and emphasize China’s expanding engagement in ocean governance and knowledge sharing.

In addition to its commitment to the High Seas Treaty and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, China is also addressing the use of harmful fishing gear, including bottom-trawl nets, in its fisheries law [1]. China has also joined the Port State Measures Agreement, a global treaty to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities [1].

China's marine science has also received considerable attention, with China's role in the UN Decade of Ocean Science being highlighted in Nice. Notable advancements include the launch of Seamount Digital Intelligent Systems, a data platform for deep-sea discoveries, and China's significant advancements in deep-sea research [1].

In a positive development, Zhang has observed an improvement in China's efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing [1]. Furthermore, China has pledged to provide 5,000 placements for people from developing countries to be trained in sustainable marine issues [1].

As China advances in its efforts towards ocean conservation and sustainability, the world watches with anticipation. The entry into force of the High Seas Treaty hinges on continued ratifications, including by major countries such as China, and the treaty's successful implementation will require international cooperation and scientific exchanges, areas where China is actively championing efforts.

References: [1] Xinhua News Agency. (2025, July). China Advances Ocean Conservation and Science, Pursues High Seas Treaty Ratification. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2025-07/01/c_138434381.htm [2] United Nations. (2025, June). High Seas Treaty: 50 Countries Ratify, but More Needed for Entry into Force. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/press/en/2025/biodiv250614.doc.html [3] United Nations. (2023, June). United Nations Adopts High Seas Treaty After Two Decades of Negotiations. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/press/en/2023/biodiv230622.doc.html [4] World Wildlife Fund. (2023, October). WWF Works with Researchers to Provide Sustainable Suggestions to Policymakers in China. Retrieved from https://www.worldwildlife.org/media/press-releases/wwf-works-with-researchers-to-provide-sustainable-suggestions-to-policymakers-in-china [5] Greenpeace. (2023, October). China's Role in the High Seas Treaty and the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.org/east-asia/en/news/Chinas-role-in-the-High-Seas-Treaty-and-the-UN-Decade-of-Ocean-Science/

1. The High Seas Treaty, with China as one of the major countries yet to ratify, aims to implement measures for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, driven by the United Nations' Sustainability Development Goals (SDG).
2. As part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science, China is launching over 100 bilateral and multilateral marine cooperation programs and training 5,000 people from developing countries in marine science to support its commitments to the High Seas Treaty and sustainable development goals.
3. In addition to marine science, China is addressing unsustainable fishing practices by banning harmful fishing gear like bottom-trawl nets in its fisheries law and joining the Port State Measures Agreement.
4. China has made strides in deep-sea research, launching Seamount Digital Intelligent Systems, a data platform for deep-sea discoveries, and developing advancements in environmental science.
5. Businesses, stakeholders, and industries alike can benefit from education and self-development resources when it comes to sustainable marine practices, which China is also promoting through partnerships and training programs.
6. China's efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as its pledge to provide 5,000 placements for developing country students in sustainable marine issues, reflect positively in the general news and sports media.
7. As China pursues the High Seas Treaty ratification, technology plays an essential role in supporting the treaty's successful implementation by providing tools for monitoring, data collection, and research initiatives in the international waters.

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