On 8 November 2017, the NISCSS hosted the 2017 China-Japan Dialogue on Ocean Affairs in Haikou, Hainan, China. Co-organizers include Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI) of Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), Japan and the China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies of Wuhan University (CIBOS). Around 50 experts and scholars from a variety of ocean-related agencies, universities and research institutes of both China and Japan attended the Dialogue. The one-day program includes topics of bilateral concerns for regional seas such as maritime security in East Asia, fishing resources sustainability and management, ocean governance, and recommendations for future cooperation.

Keynote remarks were made at the opening ceremony by NISCSS President Wu Shicun, OPRI President Atsushi Sunami and Counselor He Xiangqi of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. President Wu analyzed the recent development of Sino-Japanese relations as well as challenges that this relationship is facing, and made three suggestions regarding bilateral cooperation on ocean related issues. First, the two sides should promote cooperation in search and rescue at sea and establish information-sharing mechanisms, so as to better fulfill obligations specified in relevant international conventions. Second, cooperation in ocean governance should be enhanced between the two countries in various issues such as marine environmental preservation and restoration. Third, the two sides need to seek for ways to deepen cooperation in fisheries and living resources management, especially in disputed waters. Dr. Sunami believed that this dialogue has provided opportunities for in-depth discussion on the direction of future effort.

Started in 2016 by the NISCSS and OPRI-SPF, the China-Japan Dialogue on Ocean Affairs aims to develop a better understanding of China and Japan’s convergent and divergent views on ocean affairs of East Asia, and establish an institutionalized mechanism for coordination and cooperation between the two countries in relevant fields.