Hey everyone! Around 80 experts and scholars from universities, research institutes, and think tanks gathered in Dalian City, Liaoning Province, for an engaging discussion on ocean governance and development. Hosted by Dalian Maritime University, the conference, themed "Refuting and responding to the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea: A Chinese perspective," offered a deep dive into issues that impact national sovereignty and maritime rights. 🌊
Shan Hongjun, the university's president, highlighted that the South China Sea matters go far beyond borders—they are about protecting our national maritime interests and establishing a robust voice on the world stage. Meanwhile, Wu Shicun, a senior research fellow and director at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, argued that the arbitral award is legally flawed and politically manipulated, often used by external forces to challenge regional peace and stability. 🔍
The discussions stressed that claims over the South China Sea are built on solid historical and legal grounds. The experts also called for the early adoption of a Code of Conduct to ensure institutional safeguards and lasting peace. Adding to this, Dalian Maritime University unveiled the "China's Maritime Law Development Report (2025)," marking a significant milestone in maritime legal research. 🚀
This energetic academic exchange shows how proactive governance can shape the future of regional stability—a topic that resonates with today’s tech-savvy and socially conscious young minds. Stay tuned for how these insights might influence our path forward!
Reference(s):
Experts discuss governance of South China Sea at Dalian conference
cgtn.com