Institutional Dilemmas and Solutions to Marine Microplastic Pollution Governance in the South China Sea

JIANG Tingye；CHEN Cong；YAN Lilan；HUANG Yuxin

South China Sea ； Marine microplastic ； Ocean governance

中华海洋法学评论

48期（2023 / 12 / 01）

104 - 128

英文

The South China Sea (SCS) region is facing a serious problem of marine microplastic pollution, and regional States must take diversified measures to alleviate the crisis of marine microplastic pollution. The governance of marine microplastic pollution in the SCS is characterized by multiple governance actors, slow governance process and diversified legal foundations. Current regional marine microplastic pollution governance reflects the lack of joint efforts among multiple subjects, the weak legal framework, and the immature cooperation mechanism for marine microplastic pollution governance. It is necessary to further guide the regional marine microplastic pollution governance with the help of the concept of a maritime community with a shared future, gradually complete the legal framework and build a cooperation mechanism for diversified actors in marine microplastic pollution governance in the SCS region. As a major country in the SCS region, China should increase its emotional input and institutional supply in the SCS region, and work with other States in the region to maintain a clean, beautiful, prosperous and peaceful SCS community.