China Condemns Trump's Executive Order on Deep Sea Mining as Illegal

The recent executive order by former President Trump to expedite deep-sea mining has sparked controversy, particularly from China's government, which argues it breaches international regulations. As debates on environmental risks and legal implications escalate, the future of seabed resource extraction hangs in the balance.

Former President Donald Trump has enacted a polarizing executive order aimed at accelerating deep-sea mining operations within the United States and in international waters. The initiative, intended to bolster American access to valuable minerals critical for various industries, has faced strong backlash from China, asserting that it contravenes international law.

Issued Thursday, the executive order emphasizes the US's ambition to position itself as a frontrunner in responsible seabed mineral exploration. The legal debate surrounding this order intensifies, especially as the United Nations continues discussions on establishing a governing framework for marine mining operations. China, which currently leads in the production of rare earth elements and critical metals such as cobalt and lithium, has expressed concerns that this initiative disregards shared international interests.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the US for undermining collaborative efforts, stating, "The US authorisation... violates international law and harms the overall interests of the international community." Meanwhile, US officials are eager to improve the country’s stance in the undersea resource arena, aiming to enhance its competitiveness against China.

The order outlines plans for a more expedient process in granting licenses for exploration and recovery, both in national and international waters. Estimates suggest that deep-sea mining could contribute approximately $300 billion to the US GDP over the next decade and provide around 100,000 jobs. However, this potential economic boon comes with significant environmental concerns.

Opponents of deep-sea mining, including environmental advocates such as Jeff Watters from Ocean Conservancy, warn of serious ecological repercussions. The impacts, they argue, may extend beyond the ocean floor, affecting the entire water column and the myriad of species depending on it.

While the timeline for actual mining operations remains uncertain, one company, The Metals Company (TMC), is actively deliberating with the US government regarding permit acquisition. TMC's CEO, Gerard Barron, has expressed aspirations of commencing mining operations by the year's end, contesting environmental concerns by highlighting the sparse life found in deeper ocean regions.

In the broader context, the potential detriments of disrupting the deep-sea ecosystem warrant scrutiny. Notably, research by the Natural History Museum and the National Oceanography Centre suggests that, while some organisms can recover from disturbances, larger creatures have not returned, possibly due to habitat loss exacerbated by mining activities that yield minerals taking eons to form.

As this complex issue unfolds, stakeholders from various sectors continue to debate the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation in the realm of deep-sea mining.