On June 3, in the presence of Sun Shuxian, a member of the Party Group and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources, as well as the Director of the State Oceanic Administration, Director Fang Yinxia from the SIO and Michael Lodge, the Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, signed a bilateral cooperation agreement in Beijing, marking the establishment of a institutionalized cooperation relationship between the SIO and the International Seabed Authority and a new level in cooperation.

As a United Nations branch established in 1994 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority is responsible for managing mineral resources in seabed areas beyond national jurisdiction, ensure effective protection of the marine environment, and promote and encourage marine scientific research in the area. China is an important member of the international organization.

Both parties will, according to the bilateral agreement, cooperate in promoting the implementation of marine scientific research action plan of the International Seabed Authority and the 2023-2028 data management strategic roadmap of the International Seabed Authority within the framework of strategic plan of the International Seabed Authority, high-level action plan, and support for the United Nations Decade of Ocean action plan. We will provide technical support for the expert seminar on the Regional Environmental Management Plan (REMP) of Northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Under the guidance of the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration, we have carried out multi-level and effective cooperation with the International Seabed Authority through professional advantages in scientific research and technological development in the deep sea field for a long time. We have sent representatives to work at the international organization for several times in addition to regularly participating in organized seminars and activities. We will conscientiously fulfill the cooperation agreement and further deepen cooperation and exchanges between both parties in relevant fields.

Directors from the International Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Deep Ocean Affairs Administration attended the signing ceremony.