US a disruptor of the international maritime order: Chinese envoy to UN – Global Times

Report on China’s Position at the 35th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS

Introduction

At the 35th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Geng Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, delivered a critical speech addressing the role of the United States in international maritime governance. The speech emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ocean governance and sustainable use of marine resources.

Criticism of the United States’ Approach to UNCLOS

1. Opportunistic Use of UNCLOS Provisions
   • The US has not ratified UNCLOS but frequently invokes its provisions.
   • Claims rights such as exclusive economic zones and continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles without assuming corresponding responsibilities.
   • This behavior undermines the principles of fairness and cooperation essential to the SDGs, especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
2. Disruption of International Maritime Order
   • The US disregards the collective management of the international seabed and its resources, which are considered the common heritage of humankind under UNCLOS.
   • Engages in unilateral development activities outside the framework of the International Seabed Authority.
   • Politicizes the laying of undersea cables, one of the six freedoms of the high seas, and attempts to form exclusive alliances.
   • Threatens the operation of critical international waterways such as the Panama and Suez canals, impacting global trade and sustainable development.
3. Absence from Global Ocean Governance
   • The US opposes the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and related ocean goals.
   • Shows a negative stance toward the political declaration of the UN Ocean Conference and did not send an official delegation to the Nice Ocean Summit.
   • Despite signing the agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ), the US refuses to participate in preparatory work and adopts a regressive position.
4. Destabilizing Actions in the South China Sea
   • The US misinterprets UNCLOS to justify frequent warship deployments in the South China Sea.
   • Such actions infringe on the sovereignty and security of regional countries and undermine regional stability.
   • These activities counteract efforts by China and ASEAN countries to promote peace, friendship, and cooperation in the region.

China’s Commitment to UNCLOS and Sustainable Development

• China, as a party to UNCLOS, upholds the spirit of the Convention and fulfills its obligations.
• Firmly defends the integrity, effectiveness, and authority of UNCLOS, opposing violations and selective application of dispute settlement mechanisms.
• Advocates for multilateralism and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
• Calls on all countries to safeguard international law and collaborate to build a maritime community with a shared future.

Conclusion

China urges the United States to reflect on its current maritime policies and to adopt a constructive role in strengthening global ocean governance. The promotion of multilateral cooperation and adherence to international law are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the sustainable use and protection of the world’s oceans for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses extensively on issues related to ocean governance, maritime law, and the sustainable use of marine resources, which are central to SDG 14.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The discussion on upholding international law, multilateralism, and dispute settlement mechanisms relates to SDG 16’s emphasis on peaceful and inclusive societies and strong institutions.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights the importance of international cooperation and multilateralism in ocean governance, which aligns with SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.
   • Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.
   • Target 14.c: Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans through international law as reflected in UNCLOS.
2. SDG 16 Targets:
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
3. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 14:
   • Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels (Indicator 14.4.1) – Implied through concerns about sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity.
   • Coverage of protected marine areas (Indicator 14.5.1) – Implied by references to conservation efforts and marine protected areas.
   • Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (Indicator 14.6.1) – Implied by discussions on adherence to UNCLOS and international maritime law.
   • Number of countries making progress in ratifying and implementing UNCLOS-related agreements (Indicator 14.c.1) – Directly relevant given the article’s focus on UNCLOS participation and compliance.
2. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • Number of countries with independent national human rights institutions in compliance with the Paris Principles (Indicator 16.a.1) – Implied through the emphasis on upholding international law and dispute resolution mechanisms.
   • Proportion of positions in national and local institutions filled by women, youth, and marginalized groups (Indicator 16.7.1) – Implied in the call for inclusive and participatory decision-making.
3. Indicators related to SDG 17:
   • Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships (Indicator 17.17.2) – Implied by the discussion on international cooperation and multilateralism.
   • Number of countries that have conducted inclusive multi-stakeholder development strategies (Indicator 17.16.1) – Implied by the emphasis on multilateralism and partnerships.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: globaltimes.cn