South China Sea sub-forum calls for greater restraint, dialogue, cooperation to safeguard regional peace 15h ago

A two-day South China Sea sub-forum, held as part of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 and concluding on Friday, brought together approximately 200 participants from around 20 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Co-organized by several Chinese institutions and the Boao Forum for Asia Secretariat, the event focused on safeguarding regional peace through enhanced restraint, dialogue, and cooperation. Discussions covered cooperation mechanisms, marine environmental protection, South China Sea rules and order, and marine economy development linked to the Hainan Free Trade Port. Key speakers emphasized the dangers of major power rivalry, unilateral actions, and the lasting effects of the 2016 arbitration case, with calls for accelerated negotiations on a South China Sea code of conduct to foster trust and maritime cooperation.


















