The 22nd Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting Working Level Meeting concluded in east China's Fujian Province on Thursday, with participants reaching preliminary consensus on pragmatic cooperation across maritime security, marine environmental protection and capacity building.
Hosted for the first time by the China Coast Guard, the four-day gathering in the historic port city of Quanzhou also welcomed New Zealand and the United Kingdom as observers, further cementing its status as the most influential multilateral maritime law enforcement cooperation platform across the pan-Asia-Pacific region.
Participants said the discussions translated into concrete outcomes.
"That we are talking about how to deal with the threat. We have also done the plan, action plan, and right now we also have a joint statement together," said Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center.
"Especially with the China Coast Guard chair for the preventing for the unlawful act at sea," said Muzafira Mukholit from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, noting China's practical and fruitful sharing at the China-led work group.
Analysts see the growing alignment as part of a broader vision.
"By forming a blue partnership, we work toward a common goal and jointly address maritime dangers. Going forward, we can support each other in information sharing and capacity building, which aligns closely with China's Global Security Initiative," said Xu Ke, associate professor at Xiamen University's School of International Relations.
Zhang Jianzhong, head of the Law Enforcement Department of the China Coast Guard, struck a hopeful note.
"May our efforts make the ocean truly a sea of peace, a sea of cooperation, and a sea of hope," Zhang said at the event.
Leaders of Asian coast guard agencies gather in Quanzhou with consensus on cooperation
