President, 

I thank President José Raúl Mulino for presiding over today’s open debate. I also thank IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Panama Canal Authority CEO Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, and INTERPOL Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza for their briefings. 

Oceans and seas are vital to human survival and development. They are also a natural platform for inter-civilizational exchanges. Each day, more than 100,000 commercial ships sail across the seas, carrying over 80% of global cargo trade. Oceans and seas are the arteries that convey the lifeblood for economic and social activities. Meanwhile, the current international landscape is marked by both changes and turbulence, with traditional and non-traditional risks and challenges snowballing. Historical issues and current conflicts of interest intersect in a complex tangle in the context of which maritime security is drawing increasing attention. We must build broad-based consensus, take responsible actions, and work together to safeguard our blue home. I would like to offer four suggestions. 

First, international rule of law must be upheld, and equity and justice defended. Without rule of law, peace across the seas is impossible to attain. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a comprehensive legal instrument governing oceans and seas. UNCLOS, other pertinent international treaties and customary international law form the bedrock of the modern maritime order. We must firmly safeguard the international maritime order anchored in international law, interpret and apply UNCLOS in its entirety to the letter and in good faith, and say no to selective application and double standards. 

Second, law enforcement cooperation must be strengthened in combating maritime crimes. Maritime crimes, such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, drug and arms trafficking, and human trafficking continue to be perpetrated frequently and increasingly connected with land-based conflicts and instability, transnational organized crime, and terrorism financing. Countries must intensify efforts to combat these crimes and enhance law enforcement cooperation to ensure the safety of navigation. It is essential to assist the coastal countries in building law enforcement capacity while respecting their sovereignty and to address the root causes of instability through poverty reduction and sustainable development. 

Third, dialogue and consultation must be promoted to maintain peace and stability. We must effectively implement Security Council Resolution 2788, improve crisis communication, strengthen regional cooperation, and commit ourselves to the peaceful resolution of disputes. Historical disputes over maritime territories and rights should be resolved through friendly consultations between the directly concerned parties. China is concerned by the continuation and escalation of tensions in the Red Sea, and urges calm and restraint among the parties. We call on the Houthis to desist from attacks on commercial vessels and to keep international waterways safe and secure. 

Fourth, global governance must be improved to address emerging challenges. We must uphold true multilateralism and support the UN’s active role in jointly tackling such challenges as those concerning marine environmental protection, climate change, and rising sea levels. We should embrace the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation to develop maritime infrastructure, promote the sustainable development and utilization of marine resources, and contribute to achieving the SDGs. It is also important to explore the use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and satellite remote sensing to enhance our ability to detect and respond to maritime security risks. 

President, 

International waterways are a vital lifeline for global trade. We take note of Mr. Vásquez’s earlier presentation, and the pronouncement that you made about the neutrality of the Panama Canal. Panama has consistently and effectively managed the Canal, making significant contributions to global shipping and trade. China has always respected the permanent neutrality of the Canal and firmly supports Panama in safeguarding its sovereignty over the Canal to ensure its openness and smooth operation. 

President, 

The blue planet humanity inhabits is not divided into standalone islands by oceans and seas, but rather connected by them into a community with a shared future. As a major developing maritime country, China actively fulfills its obligations under UNCLOS and constructively participates in the global ocean governance process. China was among the first to sign and is actively advancing the ratification of the BBNJ agreement. We continue to provide maritime public goods to the international community, including hydrographic surveys, maritime navigation, weather forecasts, satellite communications, and security and medical support. To date, we have dispatched 47 escort task forces to the Gulf of Aden and the waters of Somalia. We actively resolve maritime differences through dialogue and negotiation and work with regional countries to maintain maritime peace and stability. China remains committed to working tirelessly with the rest of the international community to build a maritime community with a shared future. 

Thank you, President.

Second Round of Remarks by Ambassador Fu Cong on Maritime Security at the UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate

President,

I would like to respond to the remarks made by the US representative. In recent times, the US delegation has repeatedly used various issues to make unwarranted accusations against and smear China. We firmly oppose this. Here. I would like to reemphasize that regarding the Panama Canal, China has always respected Panama’s sovereignty over the Canal and recognized the permanent neutrality of the Canal as an international waterway. The US fabrication of lies and groundless attacks against China are nothing but a pretext for seeking control of the Canal. China firmly opposes economic coercion and bullying practices, and urges the United States to stop fabricating lies and creating troubles. 

I would also like to point out that it is the US that is the biggest disruptor of peace and stability in the South China Sea. The US has deployed offensive weaponry in the region, including land-based intermediate range missiles, has repeatedly dispatched large-scale naval and air forces to conduct reconnaissance and military exercises in the South China Sea, and has sought to flex its military muscles and run amok at the very doorstep of other states, with a clear objective of creating instability in the region to advance its own geopolitical agenda. 

I also would like to point out that the US hegemony, Cold War mentality, and unilateral actions are gravely exacerbating risks to global maritime security. The United States has yet to accede to UNCLOS and refuses to fulfill relevant obligations. It disregards international law and the warnings of the ISA by unilaterally deciding to exploit international seabed resources, thereby appropriating the common heritage of humanity. It has openly threatened the normal operation of the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, and has wantonly challenged the sovereignty of other states. It has abused the security concept on maritime issues, obstructed the development of maritime infrastructure, and undermined the stability of industrial and supply chains. We urge the United States to do some serious soul-searching and to assume in good faith responsibilities as a major country. 

Thank you, President.