November 8, 2026

At the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, which concluded on Saturday, we released the Global Maritime Security Report 2025-2026. This marks the first time a thematic report on maritime security has been compiled under the initiative of the Chinese side, with contributions from experts at think tanks across multiple countries and regions. 

Taking the South China Sea as a starting point, the report examines how the regional maritime situation influences global maritime security and offers insights for global ocean governance. It further outlines the strategic and policy considerations of various actors from both national and regional perspectives, aiming to provide a reference for understanding the current state and future trends of global maritime security. While China does not agree with some of the experts' viewpoints, it is undeniable that such analyses offer useful perspectives for observing the evolution of the regional and global situation, as well as shifts in the strategic landscape.

Experts point out that, for the 2025-26 period, China's policy in the South China Sea increasingly reflects a sense of strategic patience. China maintains a regular presence in key waters through its coast guard forces while employing legal and administrative measures, including the delineation of territorial sea baselines and the establishment of nature reserves, to uphold its rights. It remains steadfast in its refusal to accept the "ruling" of the South China Sea arbitration case. It advocates for resolving specific differences through bilateral channels and continues to advance consultations with ASEAN countries on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. This policy is aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining stability in the surrounding environment, thereby creating favorable conditions for regional economic integration.

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https://enapp.globaltimes.cn/article/1373895