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Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao Delivers a Keynote Speech at Opening Ceremony of Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance

2021-11-09 22:25

On November 9, 2021, Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Jianghao delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance 2021 held in Sanya of Hainan Province.

Wu Jianghao pointed out, the sea is the cradle of life, a treasure house of resources, and a bond linking the world. It carries the hope of human survival and development. With technological innovation and economic globalization since the start of the 21st century, all countries have increased dependence on the sea, and their exploitation and utilization of the sea reaches an unprecedented level. The sea brings benefits and poses various tests and challenges to mankind. At present, maritime hegemony and power politics are rampant, and the "small cliques" with the Cold War mentality emerged time and again, which undermine the maritime order based on international law. The utilization and protection of marine resources are imbalanced, and there is a long way to go in ecological conservation and progress. Not long ago, certain country flagrantly decided to discharge nuclear contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean, which aroused concerns from the international community.

Wu Jianghao emphasized, in history, China was a major maritime country. Today, China should rely on the sea more to achieve its development and rejuvenation. China adheres to peaceful development and win-win cooperation in an open and inclusive spirit, and it is committed to upholding the ocean order, safeguarding maritime peace, promoting maritime cooperation, boosting marine development, and preserving marine ecology. China stands ready to work with all countries in the world to follow the vision of building a maritime community with a shared future, and contributes its strength to enhancing global maritime cooperation and improving ocean governance.

First, uphold multilateralism and improve the ocean governance system. We need to follow the principle of universal benefit and coexistence, oppose maritime hegemony, division and confrontation, and strive to build the international maritime order that benefits the world and serves the human future. We need to fully, accurately and effectively implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China calls on the United States to consider joining the UNCLOS, and maintain international rule of law on the sea with concrete actions. China is willing to work with the ASEAN countries to speed up formulating the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and blaze a new regional marine governance path that accommodates the concerns and interests of all parties.

Second, promote dialogue and consultation, and adhere to the bottom line of maritime peace. All countries should advance dialogues and cooperation within the framework of the UN Charter and international law to maintain global maritime peace and security. China calls on all countries directly concerned with the South China Sea to exercise restraint, and take no actions that may escalate disputes and complicate the situation. China requires that some non-regional countries should respect the will and efforts of the countries in the region, stop undermining the sovereignty and security of littoral countries, and refrain from attempts to drive wedges and disturb and damage the peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Third, abide by the principle of openness and shared benefits, and deepen practical maritime cooperation. China welcomes all countries to participate in the high-quality building of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, build the partnership on Blue Economy, and improve the development level of global marine economy. China is willing to work with maritime neighbors to conduct all-round and mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve tangible outcomes in fields such as scientific research, marine fisheries, disaster prevention and mitigation, and joint development.

Fourth, pursue harmonious coexistence and create a beautiful ocean. We need to jointly address global challenges such as climate warming and sea level rise, and respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats. China will continue to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and it is ready to work with all other countries to preserve the marine environment, and keep seawater blue, ensuring that the ocean will bring benefits to mankind forever.

    


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