On June 18, 2024, Amb. Chen Daojiang, China’s Permanent Representative to the ISA had a talk with Michael W. Lodge, Secretary-General of the ISA. On behalf of the Chinese government and the ISA respectively, they signed the Call for Action in support of science, technology and innovation.

Amb. Chen said that China attaches great importance to and actively participates in international seabed affairs, and fully recognizes the great significance of deep sea science and research for enhancing the knowledge of deep sea, promoting deep sea environmental protection, and ensuring sustainable exploitation of deep sea. We would like to work with all parties within the ISA, enhance deep sea science and research cooperation by joining the Call for Action initiative, and jointly implement the principle of common heritage of mankind.

The Call for Action was initiated by the ISA in 2023. To date, Argentina, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Nauru, Norway, Singarpore and the United Kingdom have signed it.