China Ratifies U.N. High Seas Treaty
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China has ratified a landmark United Nations treaty to protect the high seas, completing its domestic legal process to join the global pact that will create the first comprehensive governance framework for international waters.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, voted to approve the agreement on Oct. 28. The treaty, formally known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, is a critical step toward fulfilling the global 30x30 goal of protecting at least 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
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- China ratified the UN High Seas Treaty, joining other nations in a pact to protect areas beyond national jurisdiction and support the 30x30 global conservation goal.
- The treaty will take effect on January 17, 2026, once 60 ratifications were achieved in September 2024, covering about 61% of the world’s ocean surface.
- China issued declarations on treaty scope, emphasized sovereignty, and will gain voting rights while being obliged to conduct impact assessments and share benefits.
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