#China #Maritime Cooperation #Ocean Governance #Sanya

The 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance

On November 26, 2024, Sanya in Hainan Province was the host of the 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance. This pivotal forum was co-organized by several key institutions including the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, and the Hainan Free Trade Port Research Institute, among others.

The symposium attracted over 300 attendees, comprising experts, scholars, government officials, and representatives from international organizations across more than 30 countries. In addition, the forum saw a significant online presence, with over 2,000 participants engaging remotely.

Wang Yi, a prominent member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered an important keynote speech addressing the vital topics discussed during the symposium. Other distinguished speakers included Chen Xiaodong, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sun Shuxian, the Vice Minister of Natural Resources, both of whom shared insights on pressing maritime issues.

Key Topics Discussed

The discussions at the forum were centered around several critical themes:
1. Global Ocean Governance Rules, Responsibilities, and Powers
2. Maritime Dispute Resolution: Dialogue vs. Confrontation?
3. Integrated Marine Management and Blue Economy Development
4. Establishing Order in the South China Sea within International Law
5. Protection of Marine Ecological Environment and Sustainable Fisheries Development
6. Future of the Poles and Deep Sea Exploration
7. Building a Marine Community with Shared Future Commitments and Actions

Wang Yi emphasized that the world is witnessing unprecedented changes that present new opportunities and challenges for global governance. He underscored the necessity for improved global ocean governance and urged collaboration to build a maritime community that shares a future, a sentiment echoing the goals set forth by President Xi Jinping, particularly relating to the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI).

Wang Yi proposed three main initiatives to enhance global maritime cooperation:

• - Advance High-Quality and Sustainable Ocean Development: This emphasizes the need for sustainable practices that ensure the longevity of oceanic resources.
• - Safeguard Universal Maritime Security: A call for stronger security measures to protect the oceans from various threats, including piracy and environmental degradation.
• - Foster Inter-Civilization Exchanges on Maritime Views: Encouraging dialogue among nations and cultures to foster a shared understanding of ocean governance.

Conclusion

The symposium not only provided a platform for discussion on vital maritime issues but also highlighted the increasing importance of international cooperation in ocean governance. As global challenges mount, initiatives like the 5th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies that affect the fate of our oceans and, ultimately, the well-being of humanity. Through collaborative efforts and a unified maritime perspective, stakeholders can work together toward sustainable ocean management to ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits of our oceans.

In conclusion, the future of maritime governance lies in collective responsibility, shared knowledge, and a commitment to safeguarding the marine environment.