(1) The 10th Session of Contracting States Conference of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

From May 22 to 26, 2000, the 10th Conference of the State Parties to the UNCLOS was held. China sent a delegation to the session. It continued the discussion of the drafts of the two documents "The Rules of Procedure for the Contracting States Conference of the UNCLOS"and "The Financial Ordinance of the Tribunal of the Law of the Sea". The conference also debated whether it should review the situation concerning the implementation of the UNCLOS. In accordance with the recommendation of the conference and due to the efforts made by many state parties including China, the 55th General Assembly set up two trust funds. One of the funds is used for funding the members of the Commission on the Delimitation of the Continental Shelf , who come from the developing states to participate in its work. The other fund is used for funding the litigations of the developing states at the tribunal.

(2) The First UN Meeting of the Informal Consultation Process on Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea

From May 30 to June 2, 2000, the 1st UN Meeting of the Informal Consultation Process on Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea was held. This process was set up according to Resolution No.33 of the 54th General Assembly. Its main function is to submit relevant recommendations on "The Report on Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea" which the UN Secretary General submits to the General Assembly every year. This meeting discussed the issues of the utilization of maritime resources, maritime environmental protection, maritime scientific research, maritime crimes and navigation safety and, on the basis of a consensus, adopted "The List of Recommendations". China sent a delegation to the meeting, enounciated its principled position on the consultation process and tabled relevant recommendations in accordance with Resolution No. 33 of the 54th General Assembly. The meeting also made recommendations on the consultations to come of the process.

(3) The 6th Session of the International Seabed Authority ("the Authority")

In March and July 2000, the International Seabed Authority held its 6th session. Actively pushed by the pioneer investors including China, the session eventually adopted the Regulation for the Prospecting and Exploration for Polymetallic Nodules in the "Area". The adoption of the regulation is a milestone in the work of the Authority. It has marked the entry into an orderly stage of the exploration of the international seabed polymetallic nodules Next the Authority would sign exploration contracts with the pioneer investors. This session also reelected half of the members of the Council of the Authority. China again was elected a category B member of the Council.