Wang Yi: China to work with world to build peaceful, prosperous oceans

China will uphold the concept of a maritime community with a shared future and work with the international community to build peaceful, prosperous and beautiful oceans shared by all countries, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while delivering a speech to the fourth Symposium on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance.

Stressing that the ocean is an important foundation for human survival and development, and a natural arena for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, Wang said strengthening maritime cooperation and improving ocean governance reflect the common aspirations of all countries and the general trend of the times.

The development of the ocean is facing unprecedented risks and challenges, he said, adding that as the common home for mankind, the ocean needs to be jointly constructed and cared for.

Noting that the China-proposed concept of building a maritime community with a shared future charts the course for global ocean governance and provides a Chinese solution for building and protecting beautiful and prosperous oceans, Wang said China makes four proposals.

First, there is a need to adhere to dialogue and consultation to safeguard maritime peace and tranquility. Attention should be paid to the legitimate concerns of all countries seriously while insisting on resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue and consultation, he said, calling for strengthening regional security cooperation to build lasting maritime security with a solid foundation.

Second, China calls for adhering to fairness and justice and improving the ocean governance system. China will continue to fully participate in the formulation of ocean rules and the implementation of governance mechanisms within the United Nations framework, and it will fulfill its obligations under the international law of the sea, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, said Wang.

Third, it is necessary to prioritize ecological conservation and keep the ocean clean and beautiful. China is committed to a green and low-carbon development path and actively engages in addressing climate change, disaster prevention and reduction, Wang said, adding that the country opposes the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, making its own contribution to the global sustainable development of the ocean.

Fourth, China urges efforts to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation for maritime prosperity. On the basis of the principles of joint contribution and shared benefits, China will work with all parties to build the Maritime Silk Road with high quality and create a partnership of blue economy, Wang said, pledging to increase cooperation with other countries in the construction of marine infrastructure and maintain waterway security to continuously improve the level of maritime connectivity.

The symposium was jointly organized by Huayang Institute for Research on Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies and China Oceanic Development Foundation. Over 300 representatives from more than 30 countries attended the event.