Beijing – China has completed the ratification process for the Global Ocean Treaty, confirming it will be bound by the landmark agreement when it officially enters into force on January 17, 2026.
Greenpeace East Asia Beijing-based China Chief Representative Yuan Ying (she/her) said:
“We welcome China’s ratification of the Treaty, which is a historic step in its deep engagement with global ocean governance. Multilateralism is critical to address the marine biodiversity crisis. And China has a major role to play in protecting the global marine environment. China’s active participation provides momentum for the effective and comprehensive implementation of the Treaty.
“We look forward to China playing a constructive, proactive role in working with the international community to turn the agreement into action and establishing a network of high seas marine protected areas—through ensuring domestic implementation, strong Treaty institutions, and timely preparation of first-generation high seas marine protected areas.”
The Treaty, also known as the High Seas Treaty or BBNJ Agreement¹, fills a critical gap in international ocean governance and provides important support for achieving the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s “30×30” target of effectively conserving at least 30% of Earth’s land and ocean by 2030.
ENDS
NOTES:
- The official name of the Global Ocean Treaty is Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.
For media enquiries please contact:
Qilin Liu, Greenpeace East Asia, Beijing, ([email protected])
Greenpeace International Press Desk, [email protected], +31 20 718 2470 (24 hours)
