By Abbas Nazil
At the 35th Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, delivered a sharp critique of the United States, accusing it of being a disruptor of the international maritime order and an opportunist in its dealings with the Convention.
According to a statement released by China’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Geng emphasized that the U.S. exploits the benefits of UNCLOS without being a signatory, thereby undermining multilateral efforts to ensure fair and lawful ocean governance.
Geng pointed out that while most of the international community continues to promote multilateralism and strengthen global ocean governance through cooperation, the U.S. pursues unilateral maritime dominance, acting contrary to international norms.
He highlighted what he called the U.S.’s selective interpretation and use of UNCLOS provisions—asserting maritime rights such as exclusive economic zones and extended continental shelves, while refusing to ratify or formally adhere to the Convention itself.
This, Geng argued, is emblematic of a broader pattern of U.S. behavior, in which Washington seeks the institutional advantages of international treaties without accepting the associated responsibilities.
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He said this approach weakens the legal foundation of global maritime governance and creates instability.
The Chinese envoy also condemned the U.S. for unilaterally developing seabed resources, bypassing the International Seabed Authority, which is mandated by UNCLOS to manage these resources for the benefit of all humankind.
Geng further criticized the politicization of undersea cables, accusing the U.S. of attempting to form exclusive coalitions and of threatening critical maritime passages like the Panama and Suez canals in efforts to control strategic sea lanes.
Moreover, Geng accused the U.S. of failing to participate meaningfully in international ocean governance.
He cited the country’s absence from recent global ocean summits, such as the UN Ocean Conference and the Nice Ocean Summit, as well as its non-participation in preparatory work for the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) agreement, despite having signed the accord.
Regarding the South China Sea, Geng accused the U.S. of destabilizing the region by dispatching warships under the guise of promoting “freedom of navigation,” actions which he said infringe on the sovereignty of regional countries and disrupt peace efforts led by China and ASEAN member states.
Geng concluded by urging the U.S. to reassess its conduct, abandon hegemonic behavior in maritime affairs, and engage constructively in strengthening international ocean governance.
He reiterated China’s commitment to UNCLOS, its principles, and multilateral cooperation, calling on all nations to uphold international law and build a maritime community with a shared future.
