On 30-31 October 2019, the First China-EU Experts’ Meeting on Maritime Security was held in Haikou, Hainan.

Co-organized by the National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS) and the European Union (EU) Delegation to China, the dialogue brought together more than sixty participants, including eminent scholars and practitioners from various government agencies, think tanks, research institutes and universities such as the Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), China Coast Guard, Maritime Search and Rescue Center of the Ministry of Transportation, China International Publishing Group, Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan province, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Naval Research Academy of the PLA Navy, China Institute of International Studies, Tsing Hua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dalian Maritime University, China Institute for Reform and Development, European External Action Service Global Maritime Crime Program of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Danish Foreign Ministry, Royal United Services Institute, French Foundation for Strategic Research, University of Cambridge, Plymouth University, Leiden University and University Rey Juan Carlos.

Dr. Wu Shicun, president of NISCSS, Ms. Lin Hang, counselor of department of European Affairs, and Mr. Lin Shiguang, representative of department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of Chinese MFA as well as Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis, Head of the EU Delegation to China delivered remarks at the opening and closing ceremony respectively.

 First China-EU Experts' Meeting on Maritime Security was Held in Haikou 

Dr. Wu pointed out in his remarks that both China and the EU are two major strategic actors, and the multi-level and multi-channel dialogue and exchanges between the two sides on global ocean governance and ocean affairs are important links for them to enhance mutual understanding, promote common interests and develop bilateral relations. China and the EU are separated afar by the vast ocean. However, ocean has all along been a bridge for the two sides to conduct economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides have the immediate and long-term needs for ocean development, and faces similar challenges in ocean governance. And the two sides share many interlinked interests and claims as well as similar policies and propositions in promoting the establishment of a fair, open, and cooperative international order in the ocean that is conducive to sustainable development. China and the EU should continue to expand and deepen their communication and exchanges in ocean affairs, especially the exchanges between the think tanks and scholars. It is hoped that this dialogue will mark a new starting point of China-EU track 2 dialogue mechanisms.

 Dr. Wu Shicun Delivered a Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony

Counselor Lin Hang stated in her remarks that EU is an important actor in international political system. Both China and EU are supporters, defenders and advocators for multipolarity, stability and free trade. The two sides have become important trading partners and shared increasingly integrated interests, and China-EU relations are far beyond the bilateral scope and have a global significance. At present, China and the EU have established a "blue partnership" in ocean affairs, and will work together to promote sustainable blue economy and fisheries governance. The two sides will jointly address the challenges of climate change, marine environmental protection, marine ecology preservation and sustainable utilization of marine resources, and work together to achieve sustainable development goals in the 2030 agenda. It is the high time to hold the China-EU Experts’ Meeting on Maritime Security. This dialogue has set up an open, cooperative and win-win platform for both sides to participate in and improve the global ocean governance system and enriched the connotation of China EU comprehensive strategic partnership.

Ms. Lin Hang, Counselor of Department of European Affairs Delivered Welcome Remarks at the Opening Ceremony 

In his remarks, Ambassador Nicolas Chapuis argued that the EU values the cooperation with China on ocean affairs. And the EU shares many commitments and interests with China in various areas such as climate change, exploitation and utilization of ocean resources, marine biodiversity preservation and sustainable development. Thus, the two sides should develop a closer collaboration on ocean governance. He pointed out that the EU does not seek to compete with China on ocean affairs. Instead, it seeks to enhance mutual trust and cooperation. This dialogue is of great significance as a new chapter for deepening cooperation between China and the EU, and will play a great role in enhancing political trust between the two sides.

 Mr. Nicolas Chapuis, Head of the EU Delegation to China Delivered Welcome Remarks at the Opening Ceremony

The China-EU Experts’ Meeting on Maritime Security is the first track 1.5 dialogue between the NISCSS and the European Union on ocean affairs since NISCSS’ establishment. During the two-day dialogue, participants had in-depth discussions on topics such as " harmonizing approaches to and regulations on marine environment protection", " protection of critical maritime infrastructure", "experience sharing on maritime law enforcement ", "international ocean governance and cooperation" and "regional maritime security cooperation."

 Group Photo of Speakers and Honored Guests