Over 80 scholars and policy experts gathered at Dalian Maritime University on Friday for a high-level conference focused on ocean governance and China's maritime strategy. The event, themed "Refuting and Responding to the Arbitral Award on the South China Sea: A Chinese Perspective," brought together legal experts and maritime researchers to analyze regional challenges.
Historical Context Meets Modern Strategy
Shan Hongjun, president of the host university, emphasized the South China Sea's critical role in national sovereignty, urging academic institutions to "leverage research capabilities to protect maritime rights and enhance China's global discourse."
Legal Perspectives Take Center Stage
Wu Shicun of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies criticized the 2016 arbitral ruling as "politically motivated and legally flawed," arguing it enables external forces to mischaracterize China's regional role. Participants unanimously affirmed China's historical and legal claims while advocating for accelerated adoption of a regional Code of Conduct.
New Framework for Maritime Law
The conference concluded with the release of the China's Maritime Law Development Report (2025), outlining evolving approaches to ocean governance. Experts stressed the need for dialogue among regional stakeholders to maintain stability in vital shipping corridors.
