ISA advances legal framework to regulate deep-sea mining, preserve ocean governance

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) will implement legal codes to regulate deep-seabed mineral exploration and exploitation, aiming to curb illegal unilateral actions, according to a senior official.

ISA oversees the management of the international seabed area and its resources. A key responsibility is to promote the sustainable use of deep-sea minerals and other resources while prioritizing the protection of the seabed's ecological environment.

In an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the ISA, introduced ongoing efforts to strengthen the organization’s framework for monitoring, intervening in, and sanctioning deep-sea mining activities that violate international law, marking a pivotal step toward transforming seabed regulation.

"First, let me make a very bold statement that the International Seabed Authority is very close to finalizing its framework. That's the one that should be universally agreed for exploration and exploitation, the so-called mining code," she said.

"I envisage that sanctions, breaks and permits, once issued, could be used as part of the tool kit of the International Seabed Authority in case of unlawful action. It's important also to say that it's envisaged that peer-to-peer actions and sanctions can also be done, and one state member of the International Seabed Authority that has followed the rules eventually might also take sanctions or measures against a non-state member that has decided to act unilaterally. So this is another layer of possibilities," she added.

Carvalho also urged member states to fulfill their obligations, which will empower the ISA to uphold the rule of law and govern the ocean effectively through the completion of legal codes for deep-sea mining within the year.

"So my message to June 8 and my hope is that member states will deliver their tasks, equipping the International Seabed Authority and the rule of the law and the governance of the ocean through the finalization of the mining code by this year. So then we will have all the pillars of the regime and governance of the oceans, of the ocean in place. And therefore the International Seabed Authority can act as stewardship, as the steward, as the custodian of the sea, deep seabed. And this is for the benefit of all humankind," she explained.

ISA advances legal framework to regulate deep-sea mining, preserve ocean governance

President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung has expressed his hope that his upcoming visit to China will help eliminate past misunderstandings and issues, underscoring the importance of ties between the two countries.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lee will pay a state visit to China from Jan 4 to 7. It will be Lee's first visit to China since he took office.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) in Seoul on Wednesday, Lee acknowledged the existing misunderstandings and issues between the two countries, noting that addressing these issues is a key goal of his visit.

"The current international landscape is turbulent, with escalating issues among various countries. In this context, the relationship between the Republic of Korea and China holds significant importance for us. the ROK and China are deeply interconnected in many areas, including history, economy, geopolitics, politics and security. Northeast Asia's peace, stability, mutual respect, and common prosperity are crucial for both countries," said Lee.

"Admittedly, there have been some misunderstandings and issues between the ROK and China, which have hindered the development of bilateral relations to some extent. Therefore, the purpose of my upcoming visit to China is to minimize or eliminate these past issues, foster a leap in our bilateral relations to a new level, and solidify the ROK and China as partners that mutually support each other's development," he said.

ROK President hopes to reduce misunderstandings with China during upcoming visit