6th South China Sea Conference to discuss five crucial topics

KUALA LUMPUR: The sixth edition of the South China Sea Conference, scheduled for Oct 4 and 5, will discuss five important topics concerning the area, which is still seeing a number of territorial and maritime disputes.
Maritime Institute of Malaysia (Mima) director-general, First Admiral (R) Datuk Chin Yoon Chin, said among the issues focused on would be geopolitical changes and the involvement of major powers in the region, Asean regionalism, information on maritime real estate management, and promoting regional prosperity through appropriate development.
"For centuries, the South China Sea has been a strategically significant waterway not only for this region but globally. Its strategic position has given rise to much geopolitical manoeuvrings and led to various territorial and maritime disputes.
"The conference will discuss the foreign policies of the relevant nations to enhance understanding of the stakeholders on the various issues that underlie this important waterway," he told a press conference after the soft launch of the conference and Malaysia International Marine Expo 2017, here, today.
The theme of the conference, "Forging a Shared Future in the South China Sea", has attracted experts on the subject from the United States, China, Japan, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Asean countries.
Chin said the conference would also seek to continue the discourse among stakeholders from outside and within the region to share their innovative insights and knowledge on how to enhance security, stability and sustainability in the South China Sea region.
On the topic of Asean regionalism, he said it would address the issue of better management of risks while balancing the interest of the various political and economic blocs.
With regard to maritime real estate management, the discussion will be based on the sustainability agenda of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which must be achieved by 2030.
A panel discussion will then review the conference findings and engage with the audience in seeking opportunities and avenues for promoting a sustainable, stable, and dynamic region.
"I believe this conference will garner new perspectives and generate fresh ideas for the maritime community in terms of political issues, security and sustainable use of the South China Sea, and in developing economic benefits for both the regional and international communities," Chin said. — Bernama