On 17 April 2017, a 15-member US congressional staff delegation visited the NISCSS and held a discussion with part of NISCSS research staff, exchanging ideas on how to manage disputes, maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and other topics.

Part of the NISCSS research staff made presentations on the current and future situation of the South China Sea, China-Philippines relations, and dispute management practices in the South China Sea.

Xi Jinsong, NISCSS vice president, chaired the discussion.

Also present at the discussion was Chen Jianjiao, vice director-general of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province.