On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Chinese mainland formally applied to host the secretariat of the landmark United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) in Xiamen, as the treaty enters into force with 82 countries and the EU as parties.
"This application reflects the Chinese mainland’s commitment to ocean governance and Xiamen’s strong track record in marine research and sustainability," said Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Located on the southeastern coast in Fujian province, Xiamen is known for its vibrant coastal culture 🏖️, cutting-edge marine laboratories, and leading institutions like Xiamen University. Over the years, it has hosted international conferences on marine conservation, making it an ideal hub for coordinating global efforts beyond national waters 🌊.
The BBNJ Agreement, negotiated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, aims to protect biodiversity in the high seas, regulate marine genetic resources, and ensure fair benefit-sharing. It officially entered into force earlier this month, marking a new era for ocean conservation.
Parties to the agreement will review applications and select the secretariat’s host city in the coming months. If chosen, Xiamen will play a central role in steering policies, scientific collaboration, and capacity-building efforts worldwide.
Reference(s):
China applies to host UN ocean biodiversity treaty secretariat in Xiamen
cgtn.com
