A Thai expert at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue shares her insights on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea and stressed the importance of continuous dialogue in safeguarding regional security.
Running from May 30 to June 1, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier annual security and defence summit, brings together more than 550 delegates from over 40 countries and regions, with discussions focusing on regional security cooperation and the global repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In an interview with China Global Television Network, Surachanee Sriyai, visiting fellow of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies based in Singapore, said reaching the COC in the South China Sea would help mitigate or to defuse tension.
"I think it's about time actually, I think some sort of code of conduct would be a good measure to mitigate or to defuse the tension in the South China Sea," she said.
In 2002, China pushed for the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
China is working with ASEAN countries to accelerate consultations on the COC and striving to reach an early agreement on regional rules which are effective, substantive and in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which will be more conducive to managing differences, stabilizing the South China Sea and promoting cooperation.
The expert further highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue in ensuring regional security.
"When it comes down to security, it's all about repeat conversation, right? It's all about keep talking, keep engaging with different actors, relevant actors. So I think it will go a long way for regional security if everybody, you know, come and talk and be transparent," she said.
Thai expert shares thoughts on regional security in South China Sea
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
