China has decided to present the candidate coastal city Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province to host the Secretariat of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, and has informed the United Nations Secretary-General of the relevant decision on Jan 16, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.
The agreement, with 82 countries, including China and the EU, as contracting parties, entered into force on Jan 17.
"As the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction enters into effect, the milestone international treaty under the UN framework opens a new chapter of global marine governance and marks the success of multilateralism. China is one of the first countries to sign the agreement and one of the first party states to the agreement. We welcome and extend congratulations on the entry into force of the agreement. China always upholds true multilateralism and supports the UN-centered international system. China attaches high importance to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. As a responsible major country, China is deeply involved in global marine governance, and is willing and capable of making even greater and positive contribution to the implementation of the BBNJ agreement. With the aim of realizing the purpose and objective of the agreement and safeguarding the overall interest of the international community, China has proposed to host the Secretariat of the agreement in Xiamen and presented the decision to the UN Secretary-General on Jan 16," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman.
"Xiamen, known as the 'Garden on the Sea,' is a beautiful and liveable city that boasts time-honored history and openness and inclusiveness. The city’s favorable environment for innovation and the booming blue economy are recognized worldwide and have made Xiamen an important hub in international marine cooperation. The city’s relentless effort for sustainable marine development dovetails with the purpose and objective of the BBNJ agreement. China stands ready to provide the best working environment for the Secretariat and help better realize the purpose and objective of the agreement. We are confident that Xiamen is the most ideal host city of the Secretariat of the agreement. China stands ready to step up communication and cooperation with all parties, jointly support the full, accurate and effective implementation of the BBNJ agreement, and make greater contribution to advancing global marine governance and upholding international maritime order," said Guo.
China applies to set secretariat of UN marine biodiversity agreement in Xiamen: spokesman
