China has joined Chile and Belgium in competing to host the secretariat of the High Seas Treaty. As a responsible major country, China has been deeply involved in global ocean governance and is both willing and capable of making greater positive contributions to the implementation of the agreement. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson, Chinese foreign ministryHigh seas, high stakesThe High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, aims to protect and share the benefits of the global ocean outside of national territories. The work of the secretariat is seen as crucial to a well-functioning treaty that delivers its ambitious aims, especially the establishment of large marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas. A decision between Belgium, Chile or China will be made later this year, at the High Seas Treaty’s first conference of the parties.