Your Excellency Vice Minister HUA Chunying, Vice Mayor ZHUANG Rongliang,

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! And welcome to the Permanent Mission of China.

Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate the remarkable progress made on the BBNJ Agreement, but also to witness China's firm commitment and concrete efforts in bidding to host the BBNJ Secretariat.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted, the Agreement stands as a victory of multilateralism and a milestone in global ocean governance. At a time when multilateralism and the rule of law face serious challenges, the BBNJ Agreement is offering a new model, providing new momentum, and opening a new chapter for global ocean governance.

The journey to this Agreement took 19 years of dedicated negotiations. Its success did not come easily. As a steadfast and pragmatic supporter of the Agreement, China is proud to have participated throughout the entire process. We engaged actively with all parties, and played a constructive role in bringing the Agreement to fruition. China was among the first to sign and ratify the Agreement. And today, we are ready to take the next step.

Our bid to host the Secretariat is a natural extension of our longstanding commitment. It reflects China's unwavering support for multilateralism and the rule of law. We are confident that hosting the Secretariat in China will help ensure its efficient and stable operation, and translate the shared vision of the negotiations into tangible results.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China's philosophy regarding the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean is fully aligned with the purposes and objectives of the Agreement. As a major maritime developing country, China has over 18,000 kilometers of mainland coastline, and is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Protecting the ocean is not only a longstanding national policy of China, but also an essential part of the country's modernization drive. 

Just to give you an example: two weeks ago, China adopted its Ecological and Environmental Code, our second codified law after the Civil Code. And in this new Code, there is a dedicated chapter on marine pollution prevention and control. 

So, we do believe that hosting the Secretariat would allow China to further its engagement in global ocean governance, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to the oceans.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Known as a “Garden City on the Sea”, Xiamen is a beautiful and vibrant coastal city and an ideal home for the Secretariat. For centuries, Xiamen has been a key hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, fostering a culture of openness and inclusiveness. Today, it is a center for marine science, a hub for international maritime cooperation, and a model for ecological conservation.

Xiamen has successfully hosted many major international events, and offers world-class facilities and services. After our speeches, I invite you to explore the exhibition about the city, enjoy its cultural performances, and experience its rich intangible heritage, so that you would feel the unique charm of Xiamen.

Here, I also want to stress that China is a country that honors its commitments. Both the central government and the Xiamen municipal government attach great importance to this bid. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has outlined China's overall vision in his video message. Vice Minister Hua Chunying has provided a comprehensive presentation of our proposal earlier today. The city of Xiamen also hosted a successful side event themed “Human-Ocean Harmony.” 

And for us, the Chinese Mission, we will continue to serve as a bridge by listening closely to your views, and working with all parties to advance the early establishment and operation of the Secretariat.

Let me underscore one more point: if the Secretariat is established in Xiamen, it will be the first UN-related body headquartered in China and in the entire Asia Pacific. 

That means it will not only be welcomed, but also be prioritized. It will have the full backing from all levels of government in China and its people. And it will be deeply valued by China and other countries in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In a world of growing uncertainty, China will remain a steadfast pillar of multilateralism. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, choosing China means choosing a future of greater certainty and stability; choosing China means enabling more comprehensive and effective implementation of the Agreement; and choosing China means advancing a more just and equitable system of global governance.

China is ready. Xiamen is ready. And I hope you are ready to vote for us.

Thank you, and I wish you all a wonderful evening!