Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the “Marine Cooperation and Governance Forum”
On November 9, 2021, Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the “Second Maritime Cooperation and Governance Forum” in Sanya, Hainan.
Wu Jianghao pointed out that the ocean is the cradle of life, the treasure house of resources, and the link of connectivity, and it carries the hope of human survival and development. In the new century, with technological innovation and economic globalization, countries in the world are increasingly dependent on the ocean, and the development and utilization of the ocean has reached an unprecedented level. The ocean not only adds well-being to mankind, but also brings many tests and challenges to mankind. At present, maritime hegemonism and power politics are rampant, and “small circles” with the ghosts of the Cold War have appeared in turn, severely impacting the maritime order based on international law. The utilization and protection of marine resources are out of balance, and ecological maintenance and construction have a long way to go. Not long ago, individual countries outrageously decided to discharge “nuclear sewage” into the Pacific Ocean, which aroused serious concern in the international community.
Wu Jianghao emphasized that China has been a maritime power in history, and China’s development and revitalization today cannot be separated from the ocean. China upholds the concept of peaceful development, openness and inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, and is committed to becoming a champion of maritime order, a defender of maritime peace, a promoter of maritime cooperation, a contributor to maritime development, and a protector of marine ecology. China is willing to work hand in hand with other countries in the world, uphold the concept of a community of marine destiny, and contribute to the improvement of global maritime cooperation and governance.
The first is to uphold multilateralism and improve the ocean governance system. We must uphold the principle of inclusive coexistence, oppose maritime hegemony and separatist confrontation, and build a new international maritime order that benefits all countries in the world and serves the future of mankind. The “United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea” must be implemented in a complete, accurate, comprehensive and effective manner. China calls on the United States to actively consider joining the “Convention” and take concrete actions to participate in the maintenance of the international maritime rule of law. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to expedite the formulation of the “Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” and to blaze a new path for regional maritime governance that takes into account the concerns and interests of all parties.
The second is to persist in dialogue and consultation and keep the bottom line of ocean and peace. All countries should promote dialogue and cooperation within the framework of the UN Charter and international law to maintain global maritime peace and security. China calls on the countries involved in the South China Sea to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that may lead to the expansion of disputes and complicate the situation. China asks certain countries outside the region to respect the wishes and efforts of countries in the region, refrain from infringing on the sovereignty of coastal states, harming the security of coastal states, and refraining from deliberately instigating separation and disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea.
The third is to persist in openness and sharing, and deepen pragmatic maritime cooperation. China welcomes all countries to participate in the high-quality joint construction of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road” in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, to build a blue economic partnership, and to enhance the level of global marine economic development. China is willing to carry out all-round mutually beneficial cooperation with its maritime neighbors and achieve solid results in scientific research, marine fisheries, disaster prevention and mitigation, and joint development.
The fourth is to persist in harmonious coexistence and create a beautiful ocean home. We must join hands to address global challenges such as climate warming and sea level rise, as well as traditional and non-traditional security threats. China will continue to speed up the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and is willing to work with other countries in the world to jointly maintain the marine ecological environment, keep the ocean clear and blue forever, and benefit mankind forever.