Haiyang Kaifa yu guanli (Jul 2024)
New Developments and Negotiation Disputes in International Legal Regulation of Marine Plastic Pollution and China's Responses
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution has become a global environmental problem and seriously threatens marine ecosystems. The “End Plastic Pollution Resolution” adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly on March 2, 2022, indicates new developments in the international legal regulation of marine plastic pollution. The new regulation is expected to improve the limitations of existing legislation in terms of jurisdiction, monitoring, and management of marine plastic pollution. However, the published draft revisions reveal disputes among countries regarding the management of the entire life cycle of plastics, the setting of plastic pollution control targets, the Extended Producer Responsibility system, technical and financial support for developing countries, and coordination with the existing international legal framework. China should continue to uphold the stance of “the concept of Maritime Community with a Shared Future, while balancing its own development interests” to promote the legislative process; strengthen scientific research and expand financial support sources for developing and least developed countries; improve domestic plastic pollution control and regulatory systems to enhance its own capacity to fulfill treaty obligations.
