China proposes Xiamen to host BBNJ Agreement Secretariat

China has proposed the maritime city of Xiamen, located in Fujian province, as the host for the Secretariat of the BBNJ Agreement. The agreement, officially known as the ‘Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction’, entered into force on January 17, 2026.

China’s candidacy emphasizes Xiamen’s maritime history, scientific infrastructure, and experience in protecting coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves. The proposal aims to position the city as an international hub for scientific exchange and capacity building, particularly for developing nations. The transition from negotiation to implementation marks a critical phase for the treaty, which seeks to establish a legal framework for protecting biodiversity in international waters.