(Focus on Boao) Boao Forum for Asia 2024 Annual Conference holds South China Sea themed sub-forum

　　China News Service, Boao, March 29 (Reporter Wang Ziqian) The Boao Forum for Asia 2024 Annual Conference South China Sea theme sub-forum was held here on the 28th. More than 200 people from 15 countries and regions including China, the United States, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines Experts and scholars, diplomats stationed in China, former dignitaries and government officials, and representatives of international organizations attended the meeting.

On March 28, the South China Sea theme sub-forum of the Boao Forum for Asia 2024 Annual Conference opened. Photo by China News Service reporter Luo Yunfei

　　Liu Zhenmin, China's special envoy for climate change and former deputy secretary-general of the United Nations, said in his speech that ASEAN countries and China should attach great importance to the risks of the South China Sea issue and work hard to prevent the situation in the South China Sea from getting out of control. He suggested that we continue to adhere to the "dual-track approach" to deal with the South China Sea issue, that is, China and ASEAN countries work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and China and relevant ASEAN countries resolve the South China Sea disputes through negotiations. Countries surrounding the South China Sea should take a long-term view, adhere to peaceful coexistence, actively seek areas and channels for maritime cooperation before disputes are resolved, and ensure that the South China Sea becomes both a sea of ​​peace and a sea of ​​cooperation.

　　Yang Renhuo, deputy director of the Department of Boundary and Maritime Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that peace, stability and maritime cooperation in the South China Sea face many risks and challenges. Some major countries outside the region engage in "freedom of navigation" under the banner of "freedom of navigation." Some international forces deliberately highlight conflicts and differences in the South China Sea, stir up disputes, interfere with regional cooperation, and undermine the unity of regional countries. Some countries along the South China Sea have been seduced and tempted to take words and deeds that are not conducive to the peace and stability of the South China Sea from time to time.

　　He said that China is willing to work with regional countries to promote the concept of a community with a shared future to take root and bear fruit in the South China Sea, and to build the South China Sea into a sea of ​​peace, friendship and cooperation. China is willing to work with regional countries to study and learn from the practical experience of international semi-enclosed sea cooperation, conduct in-depth discussions on the South China Sea model of maritime regional cooperation, and promote the establishment of a cooperation mechanism for South China Sea coastal states.

　　Wu Shicun, Chairman of the Huayang Ocean Research Center and Chairman of the Academic Committee of the China South China Sea Research Institute, said that dialogue and cooperation are the only way to achieve peace and stability in the South China Sea. Countries in the region should have full political will and abide by the principle of good faith to promote pragmatic maritime cooperation and achieve the goal of achieving peace and stability in the South China Sea. Injecting new impetus into the long-term peace and stability of the South China Sea.

　　Dino Padi Jalal, founder and chairman of the Indonesian Foreign Policy Association and former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister, believes that all parties involved in the South China Sea issue should take more measures to build mutual trust and carry out pragmatic cooperation in low-sensitive areas such as marine scientific research. Reduce current tensions and manage disputes and disagreements.

　　The South China Sea theme sub-forum of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference was established in 2014 and has been successfully held for 10 times so far. The theme of this sub-forum is "Led by Cooperation and Building a Community with a Shared Future in the South China Sea" and lasts for two days. (over)