China has formally ratified a landmark United Nations agreement aimed at conserving marine biodiversity in international waters, marking a significant step in global environmental cooperation. The instrument of ratification for the 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 (BBNJ) was deposited with the UN on December 15, 2025, according to official documents published this week.
The move underscores China's commitment to multilateral environmental governance, particularly in addressing challenges such as overfishing, deep-sea mining, and ocean acidification. Analysts note that China's ratification could accelerate global adoption of the BBNJ framework, which establishes protocols for marine genetic resource sharing and area-based management tools.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development, stating it 'reinforces international momentum for ocean stewardship.' The agreement, often dubbed the 'High Seas Treaty,' requires 60 ratifications to enter force. With China's submission, 45 countries and regions have now ratified the pact.
