On 12 October 2015, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) and the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy (KIMS) co-organized the China-ROK Maritime Cooperation Forum in Beijing. The theme was “China-Korea Maritime Cooperation: Issues and Challenges.”

Present at the forum were over 100 experts, scholars and officials from bilateral maritime agencies and think tanks, including Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese State Oceanic Administration, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, Chinese National Defense University, Chinese Naval Research Institute of Military Science, the KIMS, Korea Maritime Institute, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Chonnam National University and Inha University.  

The themes of this forum included how to develop maritime policy and strategy in China and ROK; how to maintain peaceful good order and stability in the Yellow Sea; how to cooperate in bilateral marine scientific research; and how to enhance comprehensive maritime cooperation between China and the ROK in the Yellow Sea.

This forum would create a favorable academic atmosphere and public opinion for China and the ROK to promote maritime cooperation and properly handle bilateral maritime disputes. It would also accumulate valuable experience for the two sides to further implement the consensuses reached by bilateral leaders, deepen bilateral relations, and extend political security cooperation.

In his address, Mr. Wang Hong, director of the State Oceanic Administration, reviewed the achievements of bilateral maritime cooperation, and made certain suggestions on bilateral cooperation in maritime technology, fisheries, maritime disputes management and joint maritime law enforcement.

On behalf of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. He Wei, deputy director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended his congratulations on the success of this forum and hoped bilateral think tanks would strengthen exchanges to provide intellectual support for the development of bilateral relations and maritime cooperation.

In his address, NISCSS President Wu Shicun remarked that maritime relationship is an important part of China-ROK relations and stands a chance of exerting a negative influence on bilateral relations if not handled properly. The commencement of talks on maritime delimitation showed deepened political trust, carried important pragmatic significance, would contribute to long-term bilateral friendliness, and helped improve regional peace and stability. The cooperation and exchanges between among think tanks and other academic agencies would provide important intellectual support for maritime delimitation, maritime dispute management, maritime cooperation and other fields.

Succeeding the first China-ROK Maritime Cooperation Forum co-organized by the NISCSS and the KIMS in Seoul last September, this forum is the second one focusing on China-ROK maritime cooperation.