Abstract: BackgroundAgainst the backdrop of global climate change, drought has emerged as a critical issue in global governance. As the principal multilateral mechanism for addressing global drought and desertification, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has continuously advanced its negotiation processes, issue development, and institutional instruments related to drought. China is not only among the countries most exposed to drought risks, but also a major contributor to long-term drought management practices and policy instruments. Its evolving role and strategic choices in UNCCD drought-related negotiations are therefore of representative significance.MethodsFrom the perspective of international regime effectiveness, this paper systematically reviews the evolution of drought-related negotiations at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP). Employing SWOT analysis and the Boston Matrix, it analyzes China’s role positioning and developmental trajectory at different stages along two dimensions: willingness to participate and capacity to engage.ResultsThe findings indicate that China’s role in UNCCD drought negotiations has progressed from a passive participant to an active participant, contributor, promoter, and ultimately a leader. This transformation follows a gradual pathway characterized by “willingness preceding capability,” which is highly consistent with the Convention’s institutional environment—one driven by initiatives, oriented toward cooperation, and centered on instrumental governance. ConclusionFocusing on China’s engagement in UNCCD drought negotiations, this paper proposes policy recommendations, including strengthening domestic capacity building, enhancing external risk response, and advancing negotiation capacity. These recommendations provide a pragmatic “Chinese approach” to promoting institutional development and building international consensus within the framework of the UNCCD drought agenda.