The world’s oceans, a shared heritage of humanity, have long been the subject of debates on how best to utilize and preserve them. From the ideas of Hugo Grotius’ Mare Liberum advocating for free seas to John Selden’s Mare Clausum supporting state control over waters, the discourse on maritime rights continues to evolve.
Today, maritime security faces both traditional challenges, such as disputes over sovereignty and maritime boundaries, and non-traditional threats that no nation can tackle alone. The history of human interaction with the oceans is marked by competition and control, but the pressing issues of the 21st century call for a collaborative approach.
In April 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of building a maritime community with a shared future. This vision aims to offer solutions to global ocean governance by encouraging cooperation among nations. Xi emphasized, “The ocean does not separate our blue planet into isolated continents; instead, it links the peoples of all countries to form a global community of shared future that remains bound together through thick and thin.”
China’s commitment to this vision is evident in its longstanding efforts. In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), promoting cooperation in areas such as marine environmental protection, scientific research, navigation safety, search and rescue operations, and combating transnational crime.
Furthering this initiative, China established the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund in 2011, providing financial support for collaborative projects in the South China Sea. At the 19th China-ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, in 2016, leaders approved the Guidelines for Hotline Communications among Senior Officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and ASEAN Member States in Response to Maritime Emergencies, strengthening communication and crisis management.
These efforts highlight China’s role in fostering mutual trust and cooperation in maritime affairs. By advocating for a maritime community with a shared future, China proposes a path toward peaceful coexistence and collective security on the high seas, addressing both traditional disputes and emerging challenges.
Reference(s):
Why China's solution to global ocean governance and peace works
cgtn.com
