On June 3, 2024, Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Michael W. Lodge in Beijing.

Miao Deyu welcomed Michael W. Lodge's visit to China, and said that China attaches great importance to and actively participates in international seabed affairs, always upholds the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and vigorously promotes the development of deep-sea undertakings. Deep-sea development serves the common interests of all countries. China is ready to work with all parties of the ISA to promote sustainable deep-sea development and jointly implement the principle of the "common heritage of mankind".

Michael W. Lodge highly appreciated China's positive contribution to deep-sea governance, thanked China for its support to the work of the ISA and himself, and expressed willingness to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China.

At the invitation of the Chinese side, Michael W. Lodge visits China from June 2 to 8, where he will attend the 7th International Symposium on Scientific and Legal Aspects of the Continental Shelf and International Seabed Regimes, and have an exchange of views with Chinese government departments and contractors of seabed exploration and mining areas.