Senior naval officers from various nations gathered on Monday for the commencement of the 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) in Qingdao, China, aimed at fostering dialogue and global governance on maritime issues. Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, addressed the symposium, emphasizing China’s commitment to resolving disputes through consultation while warning of countermeasures against unwarranted provocations.
Under the theme “Oceans with a Shared Future,” the biennial event convened naval commanders and delegates from 29 countries to review past activities, set agendas, and discuss critical issues such as the WPNS Business Charter and the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES). Notable discussions included the Global Security Initiative and maritime peace, emphasizing adherence to international laws for global maritime governance.
Liang Wei of China’s Naval Research Academy highlighted the symposium’s significance and the high-ranking representation from various countries, reflecting both the event’s vitality and the appeal of China’s navy.
While the presence of Admiral Stephen Koehler from the US Pacific Fleet indicated participation from nations with diverse regional interests, media attention on US delegates was met with reluctance to engage with reporters.
Simultaneously, thousands of Philippine and American troops commenced their annual Balikatan military exercises, citing concerns over regional tensions due to China’s perceived assertiveness. Chinese analysts attributed the current strain to shifts in Philippine leadership and US interference, rather than China’s behavior, emphasizing China’s consistent stance on managing disputes peacefully.
Xu Liping of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences criticized US involvement in the region as disruptive and urged Manila to recognize the potential consequences of its alignment. Responding to the absence of the Philippine Navy from the WPNS, Liang clarified China’s invitation extended to all member countries and observer states, citing lack of awareness regarding the specific reasons for the Philippines’ non-participation.