The Importance of Adhering to International Laws in Seabed Resource Exploration

No country should bypass international laws to authorize resource exploration in the seabed, China’s foreign ministry emphasized on Monday. This statement comes in response to reports of U.S. plans to stockpile deep-sea metals to counter China’s dominance in the sector.

The Trump administration is reportedly drafting an executive order to enable the stockpiling of deep-sea metals found on the Pacific Ocean seabed. This move is aimed at reducing China’s stronghold on battery minerals and rare earth supply chains. The stockpile would ensure that the U.S. has a strategic reserve of these critical resources in case of a conflict that could potentially disrupt imports from China.

China, a major producer of rare earth elements, has previously placed export restrictions on some of these elements in response to U.S. tariffs. This action could severely impact the U.S., which heavily relies on Chinese imports for rare earths essential in various industries, from smartphones to electric car batteries.

In light of these developments, the Chinese foreign ministry reiterated the importance of upholding international laws governing seabed exploration. According to the ministry, the seabed and its resources are considered the common heritage of mankind. Any exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the international seabed area must comply with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the regulations set by the International Seabed Authority.

China’s dominant position in the rare earth market, producing approximately 90% of the world’s refined rare earths, underscores the significance of diversifying supply chains and ensuring access to these critical resources. The U.S. reliance on Chinese rare earth imports highlights the vulnerability of its supply chain and the need for strategic planning to secure access to essential minerals.

As tensions persist between the U.S. and China over trade and resource security, the adherence to international laws and regulations becomes paramount in ensuring fair and sustainable resource exploration practices. By respecting these laws, countries can mitigate conflicts and promote global cooperation in the utilization of seabed resources.

(Reuters – Reporting by Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo; Editing by Bernadette Baum)