Could China sanction US for illegal international seabed mining? A study says yes
For decades, the United States has used economic and financial restrictions as major foreign policy tools. But as China and other countries gain greater economic and technological strength, they are also acquiring more ways to push back against US actions, with deep-sea mining possibly becoming a testing ground for that shift. China could join other countries in taking coordinated…
Recent analysis suggests that China could impose sanctions on the United States for engaging in illegal deep-sea mining activities. Professor Bian Yongmin of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing contends that such actions would be difficult to prevent if the US disregards international law. Despite not being a member of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the US remains bound by customary international law regarding global seabed resources.
This includes principles such as the notion that the international seabed is the "common heritage of mankind", the duty to protect the marine environment, and the requirement that benefits derived from seabed mineral resources be shared internationally. The professor argues that the US cannot simply claim a non-party status to UNCLOS to evade these customary rules.
The legal dispute may hinge on how US-authorised mining is executed, including whether it infringes on international seabed resources, causes significant environmental damage, or allows mining operators to retain benefits that should be shared. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich seabed area in the northeast Pacific, is particularly relevant as it contains an estimated 21 billion tonnes of valuable polymetallic nodules.
Canadian firm The Metals Company has applied for a US deep-sea mining permit to operate in this zone, which lies on the high seas. China, being deeply involved in international seabed development, could respond by conducting its own mining activities while adhering to existing multilateral principles and norms.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
