Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called for urgent global cooperation on sustainable ocean governance at the UN Ocean Conference on Monday. Speaking in Nice, France, Han outlined four key proposals to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen international coordination. To begin with, he stressed that oceans connect humanity rather than divide nations. Citing President Xi Jinping, Han said countries must build a shared future by working together to protect ocean health.
Moreover, throughout his remarks, Han emphasized the importance of sustainable ocean governance in reaching Sustainable Development Goal 14. This UN goal focuses on conserving oceans and using marine resources responsibly. First of all, Han called on nations to ensure oceans remain peaceful and secure. In doing so, he urged all governments to respect maritime law and uphold multilateral commitments. Contrastingly, he warned against unilateral actions that could disrupt ocean stability.
In the next part of his speech, Han advocated for oceans that benefit all. Furthermore, he urged countries to boost cooperation, improve maritime links, and share resources fairly. In this regard, China, he said, will expand support for developing nations and small island states. As a third point, Han urged countries to promote cultural exchange through ocean cooperation. In addition, he called on governments to embrace maritime diversity, support dialogue, and build fair, inclusive ocean policies. To reinforce this point, Han announced that China will provide training to help developing nations strengthen maritime sustainability efforts.
Additionally, Han underlined the need to keep oceans clean and beautiful. As a result, he promised China would deepen cooperation through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. That work, he added, will include joint efforts with global institutions to advance sustainable ocean governance. Significantly, Han also expressed strong support for the new Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. He called on all countries to help the agreement take effect and deliver results efficiently.
By repeating the phrase sustainable ocean governance, Han emphasized the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems. Ultimately, he urged countries to seize this moment and act together. Given the rising threats to the oceans, he concluded that no country can afford to ignore its responsibility.
