An international seminar in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War victory highlighted China's historical sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea islands), with experts emphasizing its legal foundation in post-war international order.
Over 40 scholars and officials, including representatives from Malaysia, the Philippines, and the UK, convened to review historical evidence and discuss pathways for regional cooperation. Wu Jilu of the China Institute for Marine Affairs stressed that upholding China's resumption of sovereignty aligns with preserving the post-WWII legal framework established by documents like the Cairo Declaration.
Researcher Hou Yi traced China's governance of the islands to the Qing Dynasty, citing activities such as fishing, guano mining, and conservation efforts. 'China's historic rights are indisputable, supported by archives and centuries of habitation,' Hou stated, noting that challenges to sovereignty emerged only after the 1970s.
Anna Malindog-Uy of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute praised China's commitment to peaceful dispute resolution through ASEAN-led mechanisms. Discussions also focused on advancing the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations, building on the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Xiamen University's Fu Kuenchen urged regional stakeholders to prioritize low-sensitivity collaborations like environmental conservation and joint search-and-rescue operations, while cautioning against external interference.
