China reaffirms commitment to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

China reaffirmed on Tuesday its commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, saying it has consistently exercised its rights in good faith and fulfilled its obligations under the convention over the past 30 years, and contributed to global ocean governance.

China was one of the first countries to sign UNCLOS in December 1982, and ratified the Convention on July 7, 1996.

The entry into force and implementation of the UNCLOS is conducive to safeguarding a fair and just international maritime order and promoting the building of a more equitable and reasonable global governance system, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a daily news conference.

She noted that the UNCLOS negotiations marked the first major international legislative process in which China participated after the restoration of its lawful seat at the UN.

Over the past 30 years, China has been a strong advocate for the spirit of multilateralism embodied by the Convention and has supported the effective operation of the three international institutions established in accordance with UNCLOS, Mao said.

She added that China has worked with various parties to safeguard maritime peace and security, promote the sustainable development of the oceans, strengthen marine scientific research and environmental protection, and advance exchanges and cooperation on maritime affairs.