Every year, typhoons tear through Southeast Asia, the world's most active basin, putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Predicting how strong they will be remains one of the hardest problems in climate science. 

This week in Bangkok, experts from China and Southeast Asia met to try to close that gap. The 9th China-Southeast Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum focused on the latest in climate forecasting and marine disaster prevention. 

Qiao Fangli, a researcher with the First Institute of Oceanography under China's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), said China-Southeast Asia marine cooperation shows how science can serve people's well-being. He cited Thailand's marine environmental forecasting system, a joint project with China, which supported search-and-rescue operations after the Phoenix tourist boat capsized off Phuket in 2018.

Qiao presented his team's latest breakthroughs in typhoon forecasting. "Accurate typhoon intensity prediction remains a long-standing scientific challenge," he said. "We must unite to safeguard the lives and property of coastal residents."

Co-hosted by China's MNR and Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the forum brought together over 200 representatives from more than 40 marine administrative authorities, research institutions and universities across the region. Participants discussed pathways for regional marine cooperation and sustainable maritime development.

Darika Sarunyagate, advisor to Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said the forum should turn exchanges into concrete cooperation. "Regional cooperation has become more important than ever," she said. "I sincerely hope that this program will go beyond the exchange of information and experiences and serve as a valuable platform for fostering concrete cooperation, identifying new areas of collaboration, and deepening regional networks."

Pinsak Suraswadi, director-general of Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, told Xinhua the forum gathered not only researchers but also marine policymakers. "We are committed to translating marine scientific research results into practical governance actions on the ground," he said.

(With input from Xinhua)