China bids to host High Seas Treaty secretariat, even as US exits UN bodies

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Laura ZhouJanuary 19, 2026 at 01:21 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

China has proposed Xiamen, Fujian province, as the location for the secretariat of the newly enacted High Seas Treaty. This bid comes as the United States withdraws from numerous international organizations, including UN bodies. The High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, aims to establish a framework for governing international waters outside of national jurisdictions. The treaty entered into force after being ratified by over 60 countries. Observers suggest China's proposal reflects its ambition to play a more prominent role in shaping international regulations, particularly as the US reduces its involvement in such organizations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Taiwan Strait 40% Venezuela 40% Japan ×240% Fujian province 50% Xiamen 50% Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) 60% UN 60% Donald Trump 70% High Seas Treaty ×280% United States ×280% China ×590%

Keywords

high seas treaty 100% china 90% international rules 70% united states 70% international waters 60% un bodies 60% biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction 50% law enforcement 40% maritime law 40%