Naval delegates gather in Qingdao to discuss Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea

Representatives of navies from across the globe are holding discussions on the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES), a key agenda at the ongoing 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS), which is underway in China's eastern port city of Qingdao in Shandong Province.

The 19th biennial meeting opened on Sunday and is themed "Seas of Shared Future." The four-day event has over 180 navy representatives from 29 countries, including Australia, Cambodia, Chile, France, and India.

Delegates to the meeting will review activities taking place under the symposium's framework since its 18th biennial meeting. They will set the future agenda, discuss, and vote on issues such as the WPNS Business Charter, the CUES, and the unmanned system.

The CUES was signed by 21 nations back in 2014 during the 14th Western Pacific Naval Symposium. As a non-legally binding document, it constitutes a set of ground rules on how to de-escalate an unplanned encounter between naval vessels of different nations.

CUES remains a focal point of this year's symposium, where the participants will deliberate and vote for the adoption of the version 3.0 of the code.

"Items on the subject matters of CUES are very relevant and very important. I think it's important that in the WPNS these important issues are discussed. Sometimes, things take a little time. Having said that, I think we should be optimistic," said Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, chief of naval staff at Bangladesh Navy.

"Generally, there is a consensus that there should be a code of conduct for all the nations, so that movement on seas can be controlled in an effective manner," said Ashar Niazi, naval attache of Pakistan in China.

"So, with all things as technology evolves, as we start to see things like [tech] systems, as we go through the application of it, we realize that there is always things that can be improved to make sure that the language is clear, to make sure that the application continues to meet the intent," said Angus Topshee, commander in the Royal Canadian Navy.

During the opening of the symposium, China -- the host country -- said that since oceans connect the whole world, any action and discussion concerning them such as CUES should be done with peace and mutual benefits in mind.

"Being enthusiastic about forming cliques, especially on conducting encirclement maneuvers and the blockade of island chains in the sea, will only plunge the world into turmoil. We always believe that mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation are the right paths for the world," said Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

Naval delegates gather in Qingdao to discuss Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth