Xiamen and Sanya, China (25-28 May 2026) – After a very productive mission to Fiji in May, I continued my journey flying to the People´s Republic of China. In Xiamen, a port city on the Southeast coast, I had the honour to address the 8th International Symposium on Scientific and Legal Aspects of the Regimes of the Continental Shelf and the Area, organized by the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA) and the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO), Ministry of Natural Resources of China.
This was a significant event because it brought together, for the first time on a single platform, the principals of the institutions through which the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) lives and breathes: the ISA, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), and the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UN-DOALOS).
In this consequential moment, when the wider multilateral system under UNCLOS has been tested as rarely before, at a time marked by complex global challenges and geopolitical realities, the Convention system stands as a tangible expression of the international community’s collective commitment to the rule of law, and the Authority is one expression of that commitment.
I reminded the participants that success of governing one of the global commons before irreversible damage occurs will depend on sustained engagement, good-faith negotiation, and a shared understanding of our collective responsibility under the principle of the common heritage of humankind.
In Xiamen, I also had the opportunity to hold several bilateral meetings. With the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. LIU Yang, I expressed my appreciation for China’s steady commitment to acting within the Convention and its constructive and detailed engagement in the negotiations to date.
Mr. LIU reinforced China´s commitment to a balanced approach regarding the relationship between the ISA and the BBNJ bodies and processes, a vision that I fully support.
A special luncheon held in Xiamen was without precedent: for the first time, the Secretary-General of the ISA, the President of ITLOS, Judge Tomas Heidar, the Chair of CLCS, Mr. Aldino Manuel dos Santos de Campos, and the Director of UN-DOALOS, Mr. Vladimir Jares, were together to exchange views on issues related to global ocean governance. It was an invaluable opportunity to hear how each principal views pressures now facing their mandate, and the direction of ocean governance in the current climate, as well as exchange views on how the four bodies can enhance cooperation.
With China´s Special Envoy for BBNJ issues, Ambassador YI Xianliang, I emphasized that China’s balanced approach to ocean conservation and development can contribute to a mutually beneficial partnership and a win-win outcome for the ISA and the BBNJ processes. I also recognized the importance of States taking a balanced approach to ISA and the BBNJ regime.
The Ambassador shared that China’s offer to host the BBNJ Secretariat reflects its commitment to multilateralism and rule of law in global ocean governance.
Even though I stayed in Xiamen for only two days, I was deeply impressed by its beautiful scenery, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure. During my visit, I had the opportunity to explore Wuyuan Bay, a remarkable example of successful ecological restoration; Gulangyu Island, which showcases the city’s unique history and cultural identity; and the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, as well as Xiamen’s vibrant tea culture, both of which reflect a harmonious relationship between people and nature.
My next stop was Sanya, on the southern coast of Hainan, an island province. On 27 May, I had the pleasure of opening the fourth Knowledge Workshop of the ISA-China Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC), focused on Cumulative Impact Assessment for the Effective Protection of the Marine Environment in the Area.
Methods, Case Studies, and Best Practices were at the heart of the intensive 10-day programme, which brought together 21 participants from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Members of the ISA Legal and Technical Commission served as lecturers and facilitators, sharing their expertise and practical experience with the participants.
Upon my arrival in Sanya, I was warmly welcomed at a traditional dinner hosted by the Vice Minister of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. SUN Shuxian.
I expressed my appreciation to the Ministry of Natural Resources for its continued generous support in organizing our joint activities and extended my gratitude to the authorities of Hainan Province and the City of Sanya for graciously hosting the fourth ISA–China Joint Training and Research Centre (JTRC) Workshop.
My second engagement in Sanya was the opening of the fourth ISA-China JTRC Workshop on Cumulative Impact Assessment. This year´s theme resonates with an emerging area of work that the ISA Secretariat is prioritising to deliver its mandate to promote and encourage marine scientific research in the Area. The topic is becoming increasingly important for global ocean governance as it consists of a cornerstone for the BBNJ Agreement. As activities and interests in the deep sea continue to expand, understanding cumulative environmental impacts has become essential for ensuring the long-term protection of the marine environment and sustainable use of deep-sea resources.
It was impossible not to reflect on my own professional journey, particularly my time serving the Government of Brazil, where I oversaw the development of regulations and the governance of offshore industries in Brazilian waters. That experience provided me with a first-hand understanding not only of the critical importance of environmental impact assessments, but also of the complexity and challenges involved in applying cumulative and multi-faceted management approaches in marine environments.
During my remarks, I extended my appreciation to the China Oceanic Development Foundation for sponsoring the workshop. At the break, I took time to engage with participants from Developing States, including from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenia, Tanzania, Cabe Verde, Palestine, Yemen, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, and shared words of encouragement so they can continue their journeys enhancing their participation in deep-sea related affairs.
On 27 May, I signed the Extension Agreement with China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) in relation to the exploration contract for polymetallic nodules. The extension was approved by the Council during Part I of its 31st Session.
In Sanya, I had the opportunity to engage in several bilateral meetings, including with the Deputy Director of the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration (CDOAA), Mr. LI Xiangyang, with the Director of the National Deep-Sea Centre (NDSC) Mr. ZHANG Chunlei.
Mr. LI highlighted the key milestones achieved by the ISA–China Joint Training and Research Centre since its establishment in 2020. Through this successful partnership, 120 participants from developing States have received specialized training in deep-sea-related affairs, an achievement that underscores both the value of our collaboration and its promising future.
The lunch I hosted with members of the ISA´s Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) provided me with an opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the workshop and for helping deliver such a high-quality programme and exchange views on a potential flagship initiative that could advance the fourth Strategic Research Priority of the Marine Scientific Research Action Plan, while further strengthening capacity development, scientific collaboration among stakeholders.
During my visit, I met with the new leadership of Beijing Pioneer Hi-Tech Development Corporation (BPC).
I congratulated the new leadership of Beijing Pioneer, including Chairman Mr. DENG Weidong and General Manager Mr. GUO Jingpeng, and conveyed my best wishes for their continued success. I look forward to strengthening our collaboration as we work together to advance the responsible and sustainable stewardship of deep-sea resources.
Across my engagements in Sanya, I emphasized the importance of accelerating progress on Regional Environmental Management Plans (REMPs), supporting constructive dialogue and negotiations aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes and finalizing the exploitation regulation.
Leticia Carvalho,
Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority.