Sanya, 9 November 2023 (TDI): China’s top diplomat Wang Yi spoke at the fourth Symposium on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance on Wednesday.
Wang Yi Reaffirmed China’s commitment to a shared future for the maritime community and cooperation with the international community to create oceans that are peaceful, prosperous, and beautiful for all nations.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the director of the CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission, highlighted the importance of the ocean for human survival and development, and as a natural platform for cultural dialogue and exchange.
He said maritime cooperation and ocean governance are the common goals and the current trend of the world.
He also warned that the ocean faces unprecedented challenges and risks and that it needs joint efforts and protection as the collective home of humanity.
Wang said that the Chinese idea of creating a shared future for the maritime community sets the direction for global ocean governance and offers a Chinese approach to making and preserving oceans that are beautiful and prosperous. He said China put forward four suggestions.
First, dialogue and consultation should be used to maintain maritime peace and stability. He said the legitimate concerns of all nations should be respected and the disputes and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
Second, China supports fairness and justice and improving the ocean governance system.
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China will continue to participate in the making and implementation of ocean rules and governance mechanisms within the UN framework, and fulfill its obligations under the international law of the sea, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Wang said.
Third, ecological conservation and ocean cleanliness and beauty should be prioritized. China follows a green and low-carbon development path and actively engages in addressing climate change, disaster prevention and mitigation, Wang said.
Additionally, the country opposes the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, contributing to the global sustainable development of the ocean.
Fourth, China calls for mutually beneficial cooperation for maritime wealth. Based on the principles of joint contribution and shared benefits, China will cooperate with all sides to construct the Maritime Silk Road with high quality and establish a partnership of blue economy.
I am vowing to enhance cooperation with other countries in the building of marine infrastructure and safeguard waterway security to constantly raise the level of maritime connectivity.
The symposium was co-hosted by the Huayang Institute for Research on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies, and the China Oceanic Development Foundation. The event was attended by over 300 delegates from over 30 nations.
