China Proposed Xiamen for BBNJ Secretariat Host
Special Envoy Yi Xianliang met with Pacific leaders in Fiji to discuss the permanent location for the ocean treaty body.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in International Relations
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China’s Special Envoy Yi Xianliang visited Suva, Fiji, to present the proposal for hosting the permanent BBNJ Secretariat in Xiamen. The pitch was delivered to Pacific Heads of Mission from nations including the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Fiji.
Why it matters
The BBNJ Secretariat will manage international ocean governance, and securing support from Pacific nations is critical for China as the final decision approaches. Establishing the host city remains a key step for the treaty's implementation following ratification.
The BBNJ Secretariat location will be formally decided at the COP1 meeting scheduled for 2027. Participating nations must ratify the treaty to hold voting rights at this upcoming summit.
The players
Yi Xianliang
He serves as China's Special Envoy currently leading the effort to secure the BBNJ Secretariat host bid.
Michael Henry
He is the Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji who hosted the bilateral meeting.
Albert Henry
He was an influential figure who participated in the 1974 international ocean governance discussions in Caracas.
The details
During a bilateral meeting at the Cook Islands High Commission, Yi Xianliang outlined China's support package for the proposed Xiamen location. Representatives from the Cook Islands, Naoero, Vanuatu, FSM, Samoa, and Fiji attended the presentation to evaluate the bid.
Timeline
1974: Albert Henry advocated for small island ocean interests in Caracas.
Monday, September 21, 2026: A bilateral meeting occurred at the High Commission.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026: Yi Xianliang presented the Xiamen proposal to Pacific Heads of Mission.
2027: The BBNJ Secretariat location will be decided at the COP1 meeting.
Political Context
Opposition to China's bid may arise from nations advocating for a secretariat host located within a developing island state rather than a major global power. This pushback often centers on ensuring equitable geographical representation for oceanic administrative bodies.
The selection of the BBNJ Secretariat will influence how global maritime regulations are enforced and monitored for years to come. Citizens in the affected Pacific nations may see shifts in environmental policy and international treaty compliance based on where the body is ultimately headquartered.
The takeaway
The race to host international administrative bodies is a central component of modern geopolitical influence in the Pacific. Future developments depend on how Pacific nations weigh China's support package against other potential host bids leading up to the 2027 summit.
Further reading
For more on global diplomatic efforts, visit the /politics/international-relations/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cook Islands News.
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