China talks maritime cooperation with North Pacific countries' coast guards

The China Coast Guard talked about maritime cooperation with coast guards from other North Pacific countries at a high-profile forum concluded on Friday in Shanghai.

The coast guards held in-depth, practical discussions on key areas of cooperation, including combating transnational maritime crimes such as illegal migration and drug trafficking, enhancing bilateral and multilateral law enforcement cooperation and joint operations, and strengthening the sharing of law enforcement information.

The discussions took place at the week-long North Pacific Coast Guard Forum, a senior officials' meeting.

The event brought together over 80 representatives from member agencies, including the Canadian Coast Guard, the Japan Coast Guard, the South Korea Coast Guard, the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, the United States Coast Guard, the China Coast Guard, and the Maritime Safety Administration of the People's Republic of China.

Zhang Yahong, vice mayor of Shanghai and director of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau, attended and spoke at the welcome reception. Counselor Liu Qian from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered remarks at the farewell dinner.

This meeting marked the first in-person gathering of the heads of the six member agencies since 2020. The Chair's Statement of the Senior Officials Meeting was issued during the event.

The discussions focused on maintaining maritime security and stability, and a preliminary consensus was reached on the cooperation plan for the coming year. The outcomes are significant for advancing cross-regional exchanges and collaboration in maritime security, marine environmental protection, and capacity building.

The forum concluded with the China Coast Guard officially handing over the forum flag to the Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, which will host the next forum.