#China #Maritime Cooperation #Ocean Governance #Sanya

The Fifth Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation

On November 26, the 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance convened in Sanya, Hainan Province, China. This significant forum was a joint effort involving several prominent organizations such as the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, the Chinese Foundation for Ocean Development, and the Hainan Free Trade Port Research Institute, alongside CGTN as a co-organizer.

With over 300 attendees, the symposium gathered experts, scholars, foreign embassy officials, representatives from international organizations, and maritime department officials from more than 30 countries and regions. Online registrations exceeded 2,000, showcasing the global interest in maritime governance issues.

Highlights of the Symposium

The event featured a keynote address by Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was joined by other notable leaders such as Chen Xiaodong (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China), Sun Shuxian (Vice Minister of Natural Resources), and Michael Lodge (Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority). Each of these dignitaries provided insights into the pressing issues surrounding the ocean governance framework.

The themes addressed during the symposium included:

• - Global Ocean Governance: A critical evaluation of rules, responsibilities, and powers.
• - Dispute Resolution in Maritime Issues: An exploration of whether dialogue or confrontation serves as a better path forward.
• - Integrated Marine Management and Blue Economy Development: The necessity of coexistence between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• - Southern China Sea Security: Emphasizing a security-based order governed by international law.
• - Ecological Environmental Protection: Fostering sustainable development in maritime fisheries.
• - The Future of the Poles and Deep-Sea Exploration: Addressing the need for exploration, utilization, and protection of these critical marine areas.
• - Building a Maritime Community: Proposals for commitments and actions aimed at fostering a collaborative maritime future.

Call for Unified Global Efforts

Wang Yi highlighted that unprecedented historical changes are impacting global governance, which brings both opportunities and challenges. He emphasized the importance of enhancing global ocean governance and constructing a maritime community that strives for a common future for humanity.

In line with President Xi Jinping's initiatives — including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative — China expressed its readiness to collaborate with nations worldwide to establish a more effective global ocean governance framework. Key proposals included promoting sustainable and high-quality ocean development, ensuring universal and lasting maritime security, and encouraging cultural exchanges regarding maritime perspectives.

As the world continues to grapple with complex ocean challenges, this symposium served as a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration among nations, experts, and organizations, setting the stage for future efforts in maritime governance and cooperative initiatives.