JEAIL > Volume 11(1); 2018 > Regional Focus & Controversies
Research Paper
Published online: May 30, 2018
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14330/jeail.2018.11.1.07

Exploitation and Protection of Biological Resources in Deep Seabed Areas beyond National Jurisdiction: China's Legislation and Practice

Deyi Ma
International Law School, East China University of Political Science and Law, No. 1575 Wanghangdu Road, Shanghai, P.R. China 200042.
Corresponding Author: madeyi9@aliyun.com

ⓒ Copyright YIJUN Institute of International Law
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract
On February 26, 2016, PRC Law on the Exploration and Development of Resources in Deep Seabed Areas was adopted. As a landmark marine legislation, this law was formulated in line with the UNCLOS, the Rules of the International Seabed Authority, and the PRC Constitution. It opened a brand new era of marine development and utilization for China under the strategic background of maritime power. Facing the limitation and challenges about the ecosystem and risk prevention brought about by the UNCLOS and the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992, the maritime powers around the world, including China, have been making domestic legislation on the exploitation and protection of seabed resources beyond national jurisdiction. This paper introduces China's policy for the exploitation and development of the 'Areas' in accordance with the UNCLOS, and makes a further interpretation on China's related domestic legislations and practice.

Keywords : Deep Seabed Areas, Beyond National Jurisdiction, Common Heritage of Mankind, Biological Resources, Chinese Legislation

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