Antigua and Barbuda has expressed support for China’s bid to establish the secretariat of a major United Nations ocean conservation treaty in Xiamen, China.

First Minister of the Blue Economy, Athill Dean Jonas, voiced his support while attending the 2026 World Ocean Week in Xiamen. He said the proposal could strengthen international marine governance and create opportunities for greater cooperation between China and small island developing states.

The treaty, known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national waters. It entered into force in January 2026 and is intended to address gaps in international ocean protection.

Xiamen is competing against Brussels in Belgium and Valparaiso in Chile to host the treaty’s secretariat. A final decision is expected during the first Conference of the Parties in January 2027.

Jonas also highlighted opportunities for Caribbean countries to benefit from China’s experience in mangrove restoration, coral reef protection, marine monitoring and renewable energy. He noted that healthier marine ecosystems are particularly important to Caribbean economies that depend heavily on tourism.

He further pointed to potential cooperation in solar and wind energy, battery storage, ocean farming and artificial intelligence, as areas that could support sustainable development and strengthen the region’s resilience.

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