8th Joint Committee Meeting on Marine Cooperation between China and Thailand Convened in Thailand

On May 21, 2025, the 8th Joint Committee Meeting on Marine Cooperation between China and Thailand was convened in Thailand which attracted more than 40 representatives from the ministries of natural resources of the two countries to participate. SUN Shuxian, Vice Minister of Natural Resources of China (MNR) and Administrator of the State Oceanic Administration attended the meeting and delivered remarks. CHEN Danhong, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, MNR, and Oranuj Lorphensri, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand served as co-chairs.

SUN Shuxian expressed that scientists from China and Thailand have made positive contributions to bilateral scientific research and regional sustainable development through conducting joint observation and monitoring, cooperative research and capacity building to jointly develop high-quality public products relying on the China-Thailand Joint Laboratory of Climate and Marine Ecosystem. Moving forward, he expected that the two sides would actively promote the application of scientific and technological outcomes into ocean governance and build the Joint Laboratory as an open, multidisciplinary and regional cooperation platform involving more participating countries, and further strengthen capacity building with a long-term vision to continuously inject new vitality into China-Thailand marine cooperation.

Participants listened to the biennial work report of the Joint Laboratory and its work plan, assessed the progress of 9 flagship projects and their sub-projects and approved the establishment of a new project in terms of marine debris and microplastic. Additionally, participants had in-depth discussions on next steps and recent cooperation priorities, marking a positive step toward elevating marine cooperation to new heights.

Established in 2013, the Joint Laboratory was undertaken by FIO, MNR and the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC). Through cooperative forms such as joint cruises, cooperative research and capacity building, the Joint Laboratory has successfully implemented 10 marine flagship projects, deepening practical cooperation between China and Thailand in marine disaster prevention and mitigation, marine biological protection and restoration and marine spatial planning. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand and the Golden Year of China-Thailand Friendship. Relying on the Joint Laboratory, the ministries of natural resources jointly initiated the "China-Thailand Marine Cooperation Month" series of activities. In the following months, the two sides will jointly host the 9th China-Southeast Asian Countries Marine Cooperation Forum and the China-Thailand Marine Cooperation Exhibition.