2026 World Ocean Week opens in Southeast China's Xiamen

China has unveiled a range of new scientific tools and cooperation programs to support marine conservation and global ocean governance.

The release comes as the 2026 World Ocean Week in Xiamen opened on Thursday in southeast China’s Fujian Province.

Global ocean experts gathered in the coastal city to explore ways to strengthen international cooperation in protecting the oceans.

With marine ecosystems connected across national boundaries, participants said conserving them requires cooperation beyond individual countries.

One key framework is the BBNJ Agreement, a legally binding international treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the high seas and the international seabed.

Adopted in 2023 after 19 years of negotiations, the agreement entered into force in January this year, marking a new chapter in global ocean governance.

China, Belgium and Chile are now competing to host the BBNJ Secretariat, and China has formally submitted Xiamen's bid.

The final decision is expected in January 2027.