The Third Future Ocean Forum, themed “Theoretical Innovation and Practical Exploration of the Maritime Community with a Shared Future” convened successfully in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Apr 20-21. Hosted by the Ocean University of China, the forum saw collaborative efforts from the School of International Affairs and Public Administration, the Institute of Ocean Development, the Sino-Australian Coastal Zone Management Research Center, and the Institute of Ocean Security at the university.
With over 30 experts from diverse research institutions and universities, including the Chinese Society of the Law of the Sea and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the forum fostered an array of viewpoints and dynamic discussions. Topics ranged from reshaping the legal framework of the maritime order in East Asia to perspectives on constructing the maritime community with a shared future based on world history and strategic culture.
During the roundtable session, discussions primarily centered around the prospects and challenges for a maritime community with a shared future, with a keen focus on the South China Sea. Participants, including experts, scholars, and students, offered specific recommendations and strategies.
Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Research Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance and founding president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, highlighted several risk issues in the South China Sea, such as the Ren’ai Reef, potential arbitration proceedings by the Philippines against China, and Vietnam’s island-building activities.
Gao Zhiguo, president of the Chinese Society of Law of the Sea and former judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, stressed on the need for a forward-looking strategy with regard to the South China Sea. He suggested recalibrating existing policies to adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape and align with broader national and regional goals.
He Zhipeng, dean of Jilin University’s School of Law, emphasized the importance of pragmatism in realizing the grand vision of a maritime community with a shared future. He advocated breaking down this vision into concrete, achievable goals and leveraging legal frameworks to mitigate tensions and enhance trust amid evolving power dynamics.
Jin Yongming, a professor with the Institute for China’s Ocean Security at Ocean University of China highlighted the potential benefits of integrating the principles of the maritime community with a shared future with existing maritime laws, such as UNCLOS, to enhance global ocean governance. However, he emphasized that successful implementation depends on dialogues among maritime nations.