Oceans have always been a shared heritage of humanity, serving as vital pathways for trade, cultural exchange, and environmental sustainability. From the early debates between Hugo Grotius' Mare Liberum, advocating for free access to international waters, and John Selden's Mare Clausum, emphasizing national jurisdiction over maritime areas, the conversation around ocean governance has been ongoing and evolving.
Today, the world faces a complex mix of traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges. Traditional disputes over sovereignty and maritime boundaries continue to spark conflicts between nations, reflecting a long history of competition for control over ocean territories. Concurrently, emerging threats such as maritime piracy, environmental degradation, and illegal fishing pose significant risks that no single country can tackle alone.
In response to these multifaceted challenges, China has proposed a forward-thinking solution: the establishment of a maritime community with a shared future. In April 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that oceans connect us all, advocating for a cooperative approach to ensure the common security and sustainable use of marine resources. This vision aims to transcend unilateralism and geopolitical tensions, fostering a collaborative environment where all stakeholders can thrive.
China's commitment to this vision is evident through its longstanding partnership with ASEAN countries. In 2002, China and ASEAN signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), laying the groundwork for cooperation in areas such as marine environmental protection, scientific research, navigation safety, search and rescue operations, and combating transnational crime. This collaboration was further strengthened in 2011 with the establishment of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, which provides financial support for joint maritime initiatives in the South China Sea.
Building on these efforts, the 19th China-ASEAN summit in Vientiane, Laos, in 2016 saw the approval of the Guidelines for Hotline Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and ASEAN Member States. This framework ensures prompt and effective communication in response to maritime emergencies, enhancing regional stability and cooperation.
China's approach to global ocean governance underscores the importance of collective action and shared responsibility. By promoting a maritime community with a shared future, China offers a path toward peaceful and sustainable ocean governance that benefits all nations. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing the pressing maritime challenges of today and securing the oceans as a resource and heritage for future generations.
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Why China's solution to global ocean governance and peace works
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