China Media Group Launches Expert Committee on South China Sea Perceptions in Southeast Asia

China Media Group Establishes Expert Committee on South China Sea Studies

On March 29, 2025, in Sanya, Hainan Province, China Media Group (CMG) announced the establishment of an Expert Committee on South China Sea Studies. This ambitious initiative aims to foster a better understanding of the geopolitical and environmental issues surrounding the South China Sea by harnessing the expertise of a multidisciplinary team. The committee is composed of 28 prominent scholars and practitioners from various research institutions and think tanks, including the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, among others.

The formation of this committee is seen as a significant step towards promoting peace, stability, and development in the region. According to Wu Shicun, a committee member and president of the Huayang Research Center, this collaborative platform is designed to elevate political discussions and intellectual exchanges regarding South China Sea matters. These discussions will involve multiple perspectives, fostering a comprehensive dialogue tailored to address regional concerns.

Ong Tee Keat, another key member and former Malaysian Minister of Transport, emphasized the importance of China-ASEAN cooperation, highlighting its role as a successful model of regional integration and multilateralism. He noted that the timing of the committee's launch is particularly relevant, given the increasing complexities of international relations in the area.

Further underlining the committee's objectives, Peter T.C. Chang, an invited researcher from Singapore's ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, stated that Southeast Asian nations must independently and autonomously determine their regional fate while adhering to an ASEAN-centered order. This reflects a growing sentiment among Southeast Asian countries regarding their sovereignty and regional leadership in addressing South China Sea issues.

Simultaneously, on the same day, CMG released a report analyzing Southeast Asia's perceptions of the South China Sea. Conducted by the Global Public Opinion Research Center at Renmin University of China, the report gathers insightful public opinion data from six Southeast Asian nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The findings indicate that citizens in these countries largely favor diplomatic resolutions to South China Sea issues, expressing strong skepticism towards external interference in the region's affairs.

Moreover, the report reveals a general willingness for cooperative engagement with China, as people in these nations seem to embrace the potential benefits of collaboration in the South China Sea. This highlights an acknowledgment of China's significant role in regional stability, which could foster a cooperative environment conducive to addressing mutual concerns.

In summary, the establishment of the Expert Committee on South China Sea Studies by China Media Group represents a strategic move towards collective dialogue and understanding, focusing on peaceful resolutions and regional cooperation. As the committee convenes and discussions progress, it is hoped that the findings and recommendations can influence policymakers and contribute positively to the complex dynamics of the South China Sea.

For more information, please refer to the full report linked here.