On 11 November 2019, the 5th program of China-ASEAN Academy on Ocean Law and Governance kicked off in Haikou, Hainan Province.

The Academy is co-organized by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), China-Southeast Asia Research Center on the South China Sea(CSARC) and International Ocean Institute-Canada (IOI-Canada). The ten-day program covers a variety of subjects which are common concern in the region of South China Sea, such as the law of the sea, maritime security, marine ecological preservation and restoration, integrated coastal and ocean management, climate change and adaption, international shipping, and ports and connectivity. The courses taught all in English by eleven prominent scholars and experts from China, Canada, Japan and the Philippines. The program of this year brings together 30 participants from ocean-related government agencies, universities and research institutes of China and ASEAN countries as well as observers from South Korea and the Taiwan region. The program is mainly course based, yet also includes simulation exercises, group discussion, team work and field trips to research institutes and ocean-related agencies including the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Hainan Maritime Safety Administration, so as to have a better understanding of practices of maritime law enforcement, maritime safety management, marine scientific research, deep-sea engineering technology, and relevant experiences and practice of international cooperation in Hainan.

 This Academy will be taught all in English by eleven prominent scholars and experts from nations such as China, Japan, Canada and Philippines

Li Jianwei, Research Fellow of the Center for Maritime Economy at the NISCSS, Rommel C. Banlaoi, President of the Philippines Association for Chinese Studies & Member of the Board of the CSARC, and Michael Bulter, Director of the International Ocean Institute - Canada delivered welcome remarks at the opening ceremony as representatives from the organizers and speakers. Li jianwei welcomed all participants on behalf of NISCSS President Wu Shicun. She also encouraged participants to make full use of the program to enhance their wealth of knowledge on ocean governance and mutual understanding among themselves. Dr. Banlaoi hopes that this program would not only participants in strengthening their personal confidence as a professional, but also their confidence in participants from other countries as members of a community of South China Sea governance. Michael Butler pointed out that ocean governance is facing various difficult challenges worldwide. This program is designed not only to enhance knowledge and experience sharing between speakers and participants, and among participants themselves, but also to promote long-term friendship on the alumni as well as passion and commitment, so as to promote pragmatic cooperation on ocean related issues.

 Research Fellow of the Center for Maritime Economy at the NISCSS, Li jianwei delivered a welcome remark

President of the Philippines Association for Chinese Studies & Members of the CSARC, Rommel Banlaoi delivered a welcome remark

Director of the Internatioanl Ocean Institute-Canada, Michael Butler delivered a welcome remark

Inaugurated in January 2016, the Academy has been well reputed as an institutionalized platform in fostering regional capacity building in ocean governance. As a key project under the auspices of China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, it aims to enhance mutual trust and functional cooperation among China, ASEAN and other Asia Pacific countries, as well as the development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Group Photo in the NISCSS