Report seeks unity for global ocean governance

A new report released on Sunday at Shanghai Maritime University on World Oceans Day calls for extensive international collaboration in marine sustainable development, ecological protection and technological innovation.

The report, titled "A Maritime Community with a Shared Future and Sustainable Ocean Development — Joint Actions of China and Its Global Partners", outlines a framework to tackle critical issues in global ocean governance and provides Chinese perspectives on maritime development and security.

Chu Beiping, president of Shanghai Maritime University, emphasized the severe challenges confronting the world's oceans.

"The concept of a 'Maritime Community with a Shared Future' proposed by China provides new insights into global ocean governance, and SMU will continue to contribute to ocean sustainable development," Chu said.

The report summary was presented in both Chinese and English by Xie Xi, deputy dean of the university's National Ocean Research Institute, and Zhang Yan, dean of the College of Foreign Languages.

"The oceans, with their immense strategic value and development potential, have become a focal point of great power competition," Xie stated. "While marine economies are increasingly important globally, there are significant disparities between nations and regions. Additionally, ocean health faces unprecedented threats from environmental degradation."

The report identifies several key pathways for sustainable maritime development, including technological innovation, shared governance rules, cultural exchange and maritime security measures.

Awni Behnam, honorary president of the International Ocean Institute, endorsed the report, stressing the importance of multilateralism and international law in ocean governance.

"As this report highlights, we are entering an era of shared responsibility," Behnam said. "The challenges we face, from marine ecosystem degradation to resource access disparities, transcend national boundaries and require collective action."

Xie explained that the report systematically communicates China's ocean governance concepts and policy proposals to the international community. It demonstrates China's thinking and responsibility regarding global ocean governance issues while incorporating traditional Chinese cultural wisdom to address contemporary global challenges.

The National Ocean Research Institute of SMU, the university itself and the Universities Research Association for International Communication on Maritime Affairs jointly released the report. Maritime experts, scholars, representatives of organizations and students from over 20 countries participated in the launch, discussing global ocean governance and sustainable development.

Wang Zhongcheng, a professor at SMU, highlighted advances in green ship power technology as crucial for the shipping industry's low-carbon transformation.

Thong Viro, deputy director general of the Administration and Harbor of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port in Cambodia, discussed port and shipping cooperation between the two countries and proposed further cooperation initiatives.

Rizka Ardya, representing Frontier Logistics Indonesia, underscored the Chinese shipping industry's contribution to global economic development.