On 4 May 2017, NISCSS President Wu Shicun attended the International Symposium on "Maritime Silk Road: Challenges and Opportunities for Asia and Europe" in Preston, the UK. Wu delivered an opening speech, and in his keynote speech at the dinner party, he shared views on the current and future situation in the South China Sea, challenges to China in the South China Sea, and China's South China Sea policy.

Jointly organized by the NISCSS and the Institute for International and Comparative Law/Confucius Institute, University of Central Lancashire, the UK, this two-day symposium came as China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.

This symposium brought together renowned experts from China, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and other European countries.

Minister Zhu Qin of the Chinese Embassy in the UK attended the symposium and delivered a keynote speech.

Mayor John Collins of Preston attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.