Yifei Zhu spoke at 6th SGMCOG Symposium in Sanya (China)
From December 10 to 12, 2025, Dr. Yifei Zhu, Research Fellow at the China Center, participated in the 6th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance (SGMCOG) in Sanya, Hainan—China’s strategic island province facing the South China Sea.
During the symposium, Dr. Zhu delivered a speech titled “Blue Partnerships for Sustainable Maritime Futures: Nordic–European Insights for Hainan Free Trade Port,” in which he offered a Nordic and European perspective on blue partnerships and their specific relevance for the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.
He argued that despite inherent regional differences, Nordic and European experiences provide vital insights for supporting Hainan’s ambition to build a free trade port that is simultaneously environmentally sustainable and economically competitive. Citing both EU and Chinese maritime strategies and referring to the specific case of Sweden’s Port of Gothenburg, he highlighted two domains where knowledge sharing and China-European cooperation are particularly beneficial: the implementation of shore power and the optimization of sea–rail intermodal transport.
Dr. Zhu also emphasized that such cooperation must carefully navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. To address this, he proposed a pragmatic framework focused on shared standards, joint pilot projects, and transparent knowledge exchange, which can help ensure that collaboration remains constructive and resilient despite broader international uncertainties.
Following his presentation, Dr. Zhu engaged in open and constructive discussions with fellow panelists and participants, including Pan Xinchun (Deputy President, China Oceanic Development Foundation), Lei Bo (Director-General, South China Sea Bureau of the PRC), and Ye Fan (Vice President, Mingyang Smart Energy).
On the third day of the event, Dr. Zhu joined a marine industry field trip, visiting leading enterprises and research institutes in Sanya active in the fields of clean energy, deep-sea exploration, and marine biotechnology.
The annual SGMCOG, initiated by the Hainan-based Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, took place as the Hainan Free Trade Port was about to commence island-wide special customs operations.
Over the course of the two-day formal program, SGMCOG addressed several core topics and special sessions involving the construction of the global maritime governance system, marine development and environmental protection, peace and stability in the South China Sea, and the security of maritime corridors.
The symposium brought together over 400 participants from more than 30 countries and regions, including academics, representatives of international organizations, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps stationed in China.