Experts call for global cooperation in ocean governance

International scholars called for enhanced global collaboration in ocean governance, emphasizing that cooperation, not competition, is the path to a sustainable maritime future. They highlighted China's Belt and Road Initiative as a significant mechanism for fostering such a partnership.

They made the remarks at the Forum on Ocean Civilization -- Maritime Connectivity for a Shared Future International Academic Symposium, organized on Saturday by the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies at the History Research of China.

George Katrougalos, former foreign minister of Greece, described both China and Greece as thriving civilizations through sea routes and drew parallels between the historic maritime ties of civilizations and modern initiatives. Maritime trade has shaped human progress since antiquity, proving that exchange, instead of clash, drives progress, he stated.

He said the BRI rekindles the spirit of ancient maritime trade for the 21st century, specifically citing the transformation of the Piraeus Port in Greece.

Chinese investment transformed the Piraeus Port into Europe's top container port, Katrougalos said, noting the project has created over 3,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs for the local economy.

Kim Tae-man, a professor from Korea Maritime and Ocean University, advocated for a shift in perspective, urging the international community to view the ocean as a shared community.

He argued that global ocean governance should transition to a cooperative model and stated that the BRI holds very important significance in this context of collaborative marine governance.

The call for inclusive maritime cooperation was echoed by Alipate Tuicolo Nagata, a member of parliament from Fiji. He highlighted the inherent inclusiveness of maritime civilization, defining it as "cooperation over division", a principle he said China and the Pacific Island nations have long adhered to. He also called for enhanced collaboration on combating global challenges like climate change.