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ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill (online ISSN 2837-3901, print ISSN 2837-3871) is published the last Tuesday of the month throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill can be found at chinaus-icas.org/icas-maritime-affairs-program/map-handbill/.
Carbon capture focus now on mangroves
January 28 – Times of India
[South Asia, Europe]
From January 24-25, the UN Global Ocean Decade Programme for Blue Carbon organized a workshop at Ahmedabad University in India, supported by Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE) and University of St Andrews, which focused on local blue carbon ecosystem restoration.
Sea otters may be key drivers of changes in California’s kelp forests
January 23 – Tech Explorist
[United States]
In a study aimed to create explicit historical reference points and understand drivers of changes in California’s kelp forests, scientists found that the growth of kelp forests in central California has nearly offset the loss of mainland coastlines to the north and south. It was also discovered that the presence of sea otters facilitates kelp forest growth by increasing canopy resilience.
Rejected renewable hub proposal south-east of Melbourne prompts calls for legal overhaul
January 21 – ABC News
[South Pacific]
The federal government of Australia has rejected the state of Victoria’s proposal to expand the Port of Hastings for an offshore renewable energy terminal there due to environmental concerns. Advocates call for a reconsideration of environmental laws to enable projects aimed at mitigating climate change to be implemented.
As Japan makes major investments in wind power, some residents are pushing back
January 21 – The Japan Times [Paywall]
[East Asia]
Local environmentalists in the northern port city of Ishikari, known for its cultural and environmental preservation, seafood products and tourism, are pushing back against the government’s designation of an offshore area for potential wind power generation.
Carbon catch and release: Study finds bottom trawlers stir up seabed CO2
January 19 – Mongabay
[Global]
New research indicates that bottom trawling, a fishing method, releases large amounts of carbon from the seabed, with 55-60% entering the atmosphere within nine years and the remaining contributes to ocean acidification. Critics challenge the study’s accuracy and argue that the research potentially overestimates the environmental damages of bottom trawling.
Japan Plans to Report 360,000 Tons of ‘Blue Carbon’ to U.N.; First Such Calculation in the World
January 17 – The Japan News
[East Asia, Global]
After developing the first calculation method, Japan plans to report to the United Nations that Japan captured about 360,000 tons of blue carbon net emissions in fiscal year 2022, marking the first time the amount of CO2 absorbed by kelp forests and seagrass meadows will be measured.
De-silting will disturb key blue carbon deposits in Vembanad Lake, warns expert body
January 12 – The Hindu
[South Asia]
Experts at the International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming in Kuttanad, India, warn against bottom dredging in Vembanad Lake—a significant blue carbon habitat—for flood management as it could potentially harm the blue carbon ecosystem there. Instead, experts propose the use of traditional silt gathering from the upper strata instead of disruptive dredging.
CCMI partners with bank in blue carbon off-set scheme
January 11 – Cayman News Service
[The Caribbean]
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is partnering with Butterfield Bank to explore the implementation of a blue carbon offset and ecosystem-based restoration scheme in the Cayman Islands. The programme will also determine the potential of tropical marine habitat restoration to sequester carbon and seeks to create a model for obtaining certified carbon credits through ecosystem-based marine restoration.
OceanFront to clean Oslo seabed pollution
January 8 – Sea Technology
[Europe, North Atlantic]
OceanFront AS has contracted with Oslo Municipality for a three-month seabed cleanup in Oslo harbor and inner Oslofjord using the eSEA eXpiator. The initiative aims to remove marine debris to enhance the environmental condition of the threatened Oslofjord.
‘Opportunistic’ Chinese lines send ships to serve Red Sea ports
January 29 – The Manila Times
[East Asia, Red Sea, Africa]
Following months of attacks by Yemen-based Houthi rebels on commercial ships sailing through the southern region of the Red Sea en route to the Suez Canal and Europe beyond, several Chinese shipping lines are redeploying their vessels to the area as Chinese vessels appear to not be targeted.
Mexico aims to compete with Panama Canal by using cargo trains
January 25 – Freight Waves
[Central America, Global]
With the Red Sea full of conflict and Panama Canal clogged from drought, Mexican officials are now working to push forward its $2.8 billion Isthmus of Tehuantepec’s Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT) project as an alternative for global supply chains to move towards land-based rails.
German chemicals sector shows strain of Red Sea supply crisis
January 22 – Reuters
[Red Sea, Europe, Global]
Delayed shipments via the Red Sea are starting to impact Europe’s largest chemicals sector, which is located in Germany, bringing supply delays and higher freight costs on top of existing demands for energy and materials costs.
Red Sea attacks already bigger issue for supply chain than pandemic, maritime advisory warns
January 18 – CNBC
[Global]
According to new analyses from maritime advisory firm Sea-Intelligence, forced diversions from the Red Sea around Africa are already having a bigger impact on vessel capacity than the pandemic did.
Ships Advertise Chinese Links to Avoid Houthi Attack in Red Sea
January 11 – Bloomberg [Paywall]
[Middle East, Africa]
At least five vessels traveling through the Red Sea have publicly signaled that they have a link to China, such as having Chinese crew aboard, in attempts to avoid attack by Houthi militants. Similarly, at least five other vessels have openly signaled that they hold no links to Israel.
Myanmar and China’s CITIC to resume stalled deepwater port project
December 29 – Nikkei Asia
[Southeast Asia, China]
Sources suggest that Myanmar’s deepwater port project in Kyaukpyu, backed in part by Chinese state-owned financial conglomerate CITIC Group, is restarting its construction efforts, though the time frame for completion is currently unclear.
Houthis Attack U.S. Warship as China Urges Iran to Rein In Rebels
January 26 – The Wall Street Journal [Paywall]
[China, Middle East]
Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts several times to assist in limiting the Iran-backed Houthi attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea, though Iran says it does not control the Houthis. A Chinese spokesperson said Iran has “actively deescalated the situation, called for an end to the disturbance to civilian ships, and urged relevant parties to avoid fueling the tensions.” According to U.S. officials, over recent months the U.S. has repeatedly asked top Chinese officials to assist on this security issue in the Red Sea.
China accuses US of ‘abusing’ international law by sailing in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea
January 25 – AP
[East Asia, United States, China]
On January 24, USS John Finn conducted the first freedom of navigation transit of 2024 through the international waters of the Taiwan Strait, to which China responded that the U.S. “should stop abusing international law, cease all dangerous and provocative behavior, and strictly restrain the activities of front-line troops.”
The U.S. just expanded its territory by one million square kilometers
January 23 – Earth
[United States]
The U.S. has officially increased its geographical territory by one million square kilometers, primarily due to the redefinition of its continental shelf boundaries. This expansion, spreading across seven ocean regions with over half in the Arctic, is based on the Extended Continental Shelf concept under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The process, started in 2003 and completed on December 19, 2023, allows the U.S. to manage and access resources in these areas.
Norway Loses Court Battle With Climate Groups on Oil Fields
January 18 – Bloomberg [Paywall]
[North Atlantic, Europe]
Climate activists from Greenpeace Norway and Young Friends of the Earth won a court case in Norway against the state over development plans at a handful of undersea oil and gas fields that were approved by the state in 2021 and 2023.
China, Philippines seek better communication, management of conflicts in South China Sea
January 17 – Reuters
[South China Sea, Southeast Asia, China]
Last week, China Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro held a frank and in-depth exchange of views on South China Sea issues, mutually agreeing to improve communication and conflict management. The discussion was held while the two parties co-chaired the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai.
Iran seizes oil tanker involved in U.S.-Iran dispute in Gulf of Oman
January 15 – Reuters
[Middle East]
On January 9, Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged St Nikolas crude oil tanker “with a judicial order.” The seizure of the tanker, which was carrying Iraqi crude oil originally destined for Turkey, is being linked as a retaliation “after the theft of Iranian oil by the United States last year.”
Beijing hits out at German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s ‘unwarranted’ attack on its actions in South China Sea dispute with Philippines
January 13 – South China Morning Post [Paywall]
[South China Sea, Southeast Asia, China]
Beijing criticized German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock for her comments made during a recent visit to the Philippines, where she accused China of violating Manila’s rights in the South China Sea. The Chinese embassy in Manila refuted the blame, asserting that China has implemented essential measures to protect its sovereignty and is dedicated to addressing issues through dialogue, also stressing that countries outside the region should not involve themselves in the dispute.
EU makes muddled response to crisis in the Red Sea
January 12 – Politico
[Red Sea, Europe]
European Union member states have been expressing mixed responses over the conflict in the Red Sea, with several remaining relatively quiet on the issue. At least up through mid-January, the only EU states who have assisted the U.S. in the region are the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany.
UN Security Council demands Houthi rebels stop Red Sea attacks in vote that implicitly condemns Iran
January 10 – Associated Press
[Red Sea, Global]
In a 11-0 vote, with four abstentions, the United Nations Security Council demanded “in the strongest terms” that the Yemeni-based Houthi rebels halt their attacks in the Red Sea on the basis that the attacks are impeding global commerce and undermining navigational freedom.
The Norwegian government approves deep-sea mining. “It is devastating”, eco-activists protest.
January 10 – Arctic Today
[North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean]
On January 9, Norway’s parliament “endorsed the Government’s proposal to open parts of the Norwegian continental shelf for exploration for and production of seabed minerals,” making Norway one of the first nations to open up for commercial seabed mineral mining.
Blinken Warns Houthis of Consequences for Red Sea Attacks
January 8 – qCaptain
[United States, Middle East, Red Sea]
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Houthi militants in Yemen must know they will face “consequences” for continued attacks on ships in the Red Sea while noting that “40 countries [have] come together to make clear what the Houthis are doing has to stop.”
China Appoints Naval Commander as Defense Minister
December 29 – The New York Times [Paywall]
[China]
After the unexplained disappearance and subsequent removal of Chinese General Li Shangfu from his position as defense minister, China appointed former naval commander Admiral Dong Jun as its new defense minister. This appointment marks the first time an officer with a naval background has become the defense minister and fills a significant vacancy in China’s military hierarchy.
Denmark Dispatches Frigate Preparing to Join Red Sea Security Efforts
January 29 – The Maritime Executive
[Europe, Middle East]
On January 29, Denmark dispatched its frigate Iver Huitfeldt in preparation for participating in the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea in February. The dispatch occurred ahead of a final vote by the Danish Parliament of whether or not to confirm Danish participation in the mission
Seoul dismisses North Korea’s claims of undersea nuclear weapons test
January 21 – The Korea Herald
[East Asia]
After an analysis, South Korea’s presidential office called North Korea’s claims of having “successfully tested so-called unmanned, nuclear-capable attack drones” “exaggerated and fabricated.”
Houthis vow to keep attacking ships in Red Sea after U.S., U.K. strikes target their weapons in Yemen
January 12 – CBS News
[Red Sea]
Following open strikes against the Houthi rebels by U.S. and British forces in early January, conducted with assistance from four other nations, Iran-backed Houthi rebels vowed to continue attacking Israel-linked ships sailing in the Red Sea. Within days after this announcement, U.S. and British naval forces shot down 21 drones and missiles fired by the Yemen-based Houthi rebel group, marking the largest attack in the area by the group to date at that point.
China and India race to expand aircraft carrier fleets
January 9 – Nikkei Asia [Paywall]
[Indo-Pacific, Global]
Both China and India appear to be focused on augmenting their naval capabilities and modernity. China is preparing the deployment of its third aircraft carrier which has an electromagnetic catapult that provides advanced combat capabilities. India intends to develop its third aircraft carrier and collaborate with the U.S. on developing cutting-edge carrier related technology.
U.S. Navy chief to prioritize getting more ships ready for action
January 9 – Defense News
[United States]
On January 9, the recently-appointed U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Frachetii said in a public speech that, in order to address surging international cries, the US Navy should “get more players on the field.” The focus, Franchetii detailed, is on improving the Navy’s readiness while integrating the service with the joint force and working alongside Congress and industries.
Indian Navy Retakes Merchant Ship From Armed Hijackers in the Arabian Sea
January 7 – USNI News
[Indian Ocean]
On January 7, the Indian Navy secured the hijacked Liberian-flagged MV Lila Nortolk in the Arabian Sea by sending a team from the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos. Since the Houthi forces started to sabotage the merchant vessels in the Indian Ocean region, India has expanded its deployment of naval fleets in the Arabian Sea.
North Korea Fires Artillery Near Border With South Korea
January 5 – The New York Times [Paywall]
[East Asia]
On January 5, North Korea fired 200 rounds of artillery, targeting the disputed western sea border with South Korea. North Korea claimed this operation is a countermeasure vis-a-vis the live-shell firing drills conducted by South Korean and U.S. near the inter-Korean border. This was also North Korea’s first artillery firing since it scrapped the agreement of ceasing hostility around the border with South Korea.
China gives first official look at Fujian aircraft carrier’s advanced catapult launch system
January 3 – South China Morning Post [Paywall]
[China]
For the first time, China publicly showcased the advanced electromagnetic plane catapults on its latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian. This announcement was featured in a CCTV news program highlighting the military’s response to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call for national rejuvenation.
Navy to seek industry help on countering ‘cross-domain’ drone attacks
January 3 – Breaking Defense
[United States, Red Sea]
The US Navy is looking to collaborate with the industry to address the challenge of countering cross-domain drone attacks, especially in the Middle East. More specifically, they expect to acquire innovative solutions capable of detecting, identifying, tracking, and mitigating multiple uncrewed systems (USX) across different domains. This effort is part of a proactive approach to strengthen naval defenses against ongoing drone threats targeting its warships.
China plans to keep ships near Senkakus every day in 2024
December 30 – The Japan Times [Paywall]
[East Asia, China, Japan]
In 2024, China reportedly plans to maintain a constant presence of its ships near the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands, which China refers to as the Diaoyu, in the East China Sea. This decision follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s call to bolster Beijing’s claim over the islets during his visit to the command office for the East China Sea area of the China Coast Guard. The plan also includes the possibility of inspecting Japanese fishing boats in the area.
Deep-sea mining commonly refers to the extraction or retrieval of mineral deposits from ocean floor at or below 200 meters (656 feet)—an area believed to contain rich resources of valuable and critical minerals including copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, platinum, zinc, lead, iron, silver and gold. Although scientific exploration into the deep sea began as early as the 1870s, serious discussions about the commercial potentials of deep sea minerals only started to emerge in the 1960s, and the industry remains in an early, experimental stage. As of 2023, no large-scale commercial extraction operations—or “exploitation”—have occurred in the deep sea. Deep-sea mining projects are thus limited to the stage of “exploration,” where companies and organizations obtain and exercise exclusive rights to test the technical feasibility, commercial viability and environmental impacts of deep-sea mining within a given region.
Currently, deep-sea mining is governed under a dual regime. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a coastal state has sovereign rights to explore and exploit natural resources on its continental shelf—“seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas that extend beyond its territorial sea,” roughly between 200 to 350 nautical miles beyond its coast. Meanwhile, the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction—“the Area”—are specifically designated as “the common heritage of mankind” and must be managed “for the benefit of humankind as a whole.” The International Seabed Authority (ISA), an autonomous international organization under the UNCLOS framework, is tasked to administer the mineral resources of the Area, including by considering and adopting rules, regulations and procedures on deep-sea mining and the “equitable sharing of financial and other economic benefits” derived therefrom.
As global development and the transition to renewable energy both contribute to an increase in long-term demand for valuable and critical minerals, businesses are expressing more interests in the commercial exploitation of deep-sea minerals as an alternative or as an additional option to land-based mining. However, the rising commercial interests are contrasted with gaps in international governance. In June 2021, the Republic of Nauru notified the ISA that it hopes to sponsor an exploitation project in the Area, and thus officially requested the ISA to complete negotiations and adopt regulations on deep-sea minerals exploitation in two years, before June 30, 2023. The ISA adopted several regulations on the exploration of deep-sea minerals in the 2010s, but was still preparing and revising draft regulations on exploitation at the time. Meanwhile, a number of environmental advocates and researchers have argued that deep-sea mining could cause significant and irreversible damage to biodiversity and ocean ecosystems, and that more studies should be conducted before large-scale commercial activities can be allowed. Accordingly, a number of countries including Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have proposed a moratorium of deep-sea mining, while France has called for a complete ban on the practice. The ISA’s 28th Assembly session, held in July 2023, did not reach a conclusion on either the exploitation regulation or the moratorium, and negotiations are expected to resume during the ISA’s next meeting in March 2024.
At the same time, movements towards deep-sea mining and corresponding controversies are also observed within national jurisdictions. On January 9, 2024, the government of Norway decided to open up 280,000 square km (108,000 square miles) of its national waters for deep-sea minerals exploration operations. While some experts have criticized the development as a step towards Norway’s opening up to commercial exploitation, others defended the move either as a necessary prerequisite to learn more about the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, or as a way to fulfill the world’s needs for critical minerals. In the same vein, Cook Islands said in July 2023 that the country would “proceed with caution” to assess the feasibility of deep-sea mining in its national waters, while Japan announced plans to start extracting critical minerals from its seabed as early as 2024.
When UNCLOS was signed in 1982, deep-sea mining was only a concept—an idea for the future given the relatively abundant access to metals and minerals at the time. Today, 22 contractors sponsored by more than 20 countries have applied for and obtained exclusive rights to examine the feasibility of deep-sea mining in international waters. As demands for critical minerals continue to be on the rise given their significance in renewable energy, electric vehicles and critical technologies, and as accessible land-based resources simultaneously start to deplete, business and political interests in deep-sea mining will only increase.
National and international governance of deep-sea mining will face different challenges. As an increasing number of countries express interests to open up their waters to deep-sea mining, both businesses and environmentalists will need to familiarize themselves with a variety of jurisdictions to balance economic interests and environmental concerns. At the international front, much attention will be drawn to the ISA and to its ability to make rules on deep-sea minerals exploitation. At the same time, it should be cautioned that, although the United States recognizes UNCLOS as customary international law, the U.S. is not a party to the Convention and, thus, has not been a member of the ISA since its establishment in 1994. This may become an issue of concern as the international community proceeds to govern and make rules about deep-sea mining through the UNCLOS and the ISA framework.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Amanda Jin, ICAS Long-Term Research Assistant
Now approaching the 10-year anniversary of its founding, ICAS has established itself as a fresh voice in the Washington, D.C. think tank community. The team at ICAS is delighted to provide you with a concise overview of our achievements throughout 2023, produced while committedly observing the intricate and dynamic bilateral relationship between the United States and China.
ICAS is committed to maintaining our ongoing engagement with the global community, dedicated to conducting timely and relevant analyses of the U.S.-China relationship. We are excited about the potential achievements that lie ahead and sincerely appreciate your continued support.
by Nong Hong
January 22, 2024
At the start of 2024, the outlook for U.S.-China maritime relations continues to be marked by complex dynamics and ongoing tensions, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. Several key factors are shaping the relationship…
by Nong Hong
January 11, 2024
Globally, the implementation of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) has become widespread as a means to regulate and mitigate air pollution resulting from maritime activities. ECAs are specifically designated maritime zones where stringent regulations are in place to control sulfur oxide (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and particulate matter emissions from ships…
The first week of 2024, the ICAS Blue Carbon & Climate Change Program released its BCCC Quarterly newsletter for 2023 Q4. This issue features a ‘Theme of the Quarter’ on “Multinational Climate Engagements” and a ‘Blue Carbon Country Profile’ on ‘The United Kingdom.’
Released each quarter, the BCCC Quarterly records the most important trends and developments regarding blue carbon policies and regulations in China, the U.S., and other regions, as well as international regimes, such as under the United Nations framework. It also includes two special sections—the ‘Theme of the Quarter’ and the ‘Blue Carbon Country Profile’—that aim to bring a fresh and applicable element to each issue. A condensed, Chinese-language is also regularly released soon after the full issue.
The Theme of the Quarter, examining Multinational Climate Engagements, was written by ICAS BCCC Research Assistant Intern Zhangchen Wang.
The Blue Carbon Country Profile, focusing on The United Kingdom, was written by ICAS BCCC Research Assistant Intern Zhangchen Wang.
The Institute for China-America Studies is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening the understanding of U.S.-China relations through expert analysis and practical policy solutions.
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