Event Overview

The side event of the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance was held at China Media Group (CMG) Sanya Studio on 8 November 2026. More than ten Chinese and international participants discussed how to put into practice the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force in January 2026, and how to communicate ocean‑conservation ideas worldwide.

Key Statements

  • Jiao Nianzhi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described marine biodiversity as a "toolbox for humanity" and said protecting it means safeguarding humanity's future.
  • Aileen Tan, chairperson of the Sub‑Commission for the Western Pacific of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, said the BBNJ Agreement gives the ocean "breathing space" and stressed the need for scientists from different countries to work together, citing Malaysia‑China cooperation in marine scientific research as a good example and expressing hope that China would play a greater leadership role.
  • Ronán Long, director of the WMU‑Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute at the World Maritime University in Sweden, noted that China’s strong data capabilities could help accelerate implementation of the Agreement’s provisions on sharing non‑monetary benefits arising from marine genetic resources.

Report on Southeast Asian Youth Perceptions

During the symposium, CMG’s Chinese Language Programming Center and CMG Institute jointly released the “Report on Southeast Asian Youth Perceptions of Maritime Issues”. The report surveyed young people in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Findings include:

  • Nearly 80 % of respondents are willing to take part in China‑ASEAN youth exchanges on ocean‑related issues.
  • Southeast Asian youth hold a positive outlook on maritime cooperation with China but also express concerns about broader ocean‑governance challenges.
  • The youth look to China to shoulder greater responsibilities and play a larger role in global ocean governance.

Organisers

The side event was jointly hosted by CMG’s Chinese Language Programming Center, the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and other organizations.