Picture this: Over 40 experts lined up in Beijing last Saturday, diving deep into the story of China’s South China Sea islands 🌊📜. Why now? The seminar marked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end and put a spotlight on how historical documents shaped today’s regional order.
Key texts like the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation were center stage. For many, these post-war agreements settled that China resumed sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao—what we call the South China Sea islands—cementing peace and stability in the region.
Wu Jilu, director general of the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA) under the Ministry of Natural Resources, reminded us that upholding this post-war order is crucial for lasting stability.
Meanwhile, Hou Yi from the Institute of Chinese Borderland Studies traced China’s presence in the islands back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), from fishing and guano mining to sea turtle conservation 🐢. “Historic rights and clear archival evidence show China’s sovereignty is indisputable,” he said.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that other claimants entered the scene, leading to today’s disputes. Experts at the seminar agreed that cooperation—rather than conflict—is the way forward. Negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) launched in 2013, could become the region’s crisis management toolkit once finalized.
Anna Malindog-Uy, vice president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, pointed out that knowing the history helps countries analyze issues and seek solutions. 🤝
Fu Kuenchen from Xiamen University’s Belt and Road Research Institute added that low-sensitivity joint initiatives—like shared fishing moratoriums, environmental protection, navigation safety facilities and search-and-rescue drills—could build trust and harmony.
As the South China Sea sails toward its next chapter, stakeholders near and far are watching closely. For now, the seminar’s message is clear: History, law and cooperation can steer the waves toward peace and friendship. ✨
Reference(s):
Experts confirm China's resumption of sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao
cgtn.com
