Abstract
In the past decade, global climate change and the rapid melting of polar ice have dramatically transformed the Arctic landscape from a vast ice-covered area to a seasonally navigable sea. This accessibility has sparked increased commercial activity, posing a threat from various pollutants, particularly from vessel sources. Given China’s profound interests in Arctic shipping, its involvement may face resistance from Arctic states, and therefore, it is important for China to ensure that its presence benefits local communities and states. This study explores China’s role in shaping the international legal landscape to protect the Arctic from vessel-source pollutions. The intricate interplay between China’s economic interests, maritime security concerns, and environmental commitments in the Arctic underscores China’s potential role. By aligning with existing international legal structures, such as UNCLOS and MARPOL, China has already started to demonstrate its commitment to preserving the Arctic environment. This study assesses and discusses the potentially strategic importance of China’s involvement in influencing legal regimes, offering a crucial contribution to global efforts to preserve this vital region.
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Notes
UNCLOS is an international treaty that was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994. It defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources.
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental forum consisting of eight Arctic states that promotes cooperation among the Arctic states on issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection, and scientific research in the Arctic region.
The 1925 Svalbard Treaty, also known as the Spitsbergen Treaty, is an international agreement that grants Norway full sovereignty over the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard (previously known as Spitsbergen) while also guaranteeing the signatories’ equal rights to engage in economic activities on Svalbard without any discrimination. The treaty also established a number of environmental protection measures for the archipelago, such as restrictions on hunting and fishing and the creation of protected areas.
China ratified the UNCLOS in 1996.
Part 12 of UNCLOS is titled “Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment”.
China has become an Observer of the Arctic Council since 2013.
Article 17 of UNCLOS (Right of innocent passage) “Subject to this Convention, ships of all States, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea.”
Chapter VIII of MEPL addresses vessel-source pollution issues, titled as “Prevention and Control of Pollution Damage to the Marine Environment Caused by Vessels and Their Related Operations”.
The Regulation of Administrative Measures of Ship Energy Consumption Data and Carbon Intensity. The regulation will come into force on 22 December 2022.
Article 52 of the Administrative Provisions of China on the Prevention and Control of Marine Environmental Pollution by Vessels and Their Operations reads (in Chinese only): “If a vessel violates the provisions of Articles 9 and 40 of these Regulations and fails to report the relevant situation to the maritime administrative agency in accordance with the regulations, the Maritime administrative agency shall issue a warning; If the circumstances are serious, a fine of not more than 20,000 RMB shall be imposed”.
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MM and HY contributed to the study conceptualization and design. Data collection and analysis were performed by MM. The first draft of the manuscript was written by MM, and HY commented on previous versions of the manuscript and read and approved the final manuscript.
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Montazeritabar, M., Ye, H. The role of China in protecting the Arctic against pollutions from vessels: a legal perspective. Environ Sci Pollut Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31765-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-31765-1