Fourth, maritime disputes should be properly handled to create an enabling political environment for better maritime security cooperation. Indeed, there are disputes in our region over territories and maritime rights and interests. But they have not affected the freedom and security of navigation, and the situation at sea is stable in general. This is primarily a result of the commitment of regional countries to properly settling their disputes through dialogue and consultation. China and ASEAN countries have maintained effective dialogue on the South China Sea issue, and made significant headway. We follow the “dual-track” approach, that is, disputes are to be resolved through negotiations by countries directly concerned while peace and stability in the South China Sea is maintained jointly by China and ASEAN countries. This is a realistic and effective way to properly handle the South China Sea issue. Parties remain committed to full and effective implementation of the DOC, and agree to conclude a COC based on consensus at an early date. “Early harvest” for the COC is being discussed, which includes the first document on commonalities, and joint maritime search and rescue hotline and senior officials’ hotline for maritime emergencies. Facts have shown that China and ASEAN countries have the wisdom and capability to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

女士们，先生们，朋友们，

Ladies and gentlemen,Dear friends,

ARF是亚太地区最具影响力和包容性的多边安全对话合作机制，将促进海上安全合作作为重点领域并取得显著成效，是地区国家探讨推进海上航道安全合作的重要平台。未来，各方应充分发挥论坛作用，开展更多形式多样的合作，为维护地区航道安全、促进地区繁荣稳定作出更大贡献。

As the most influential and inclusive multilateral mechanism for security dialogue and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, ARF prioritizes maritime security cooperation and has generated remarkable results in this field. It is an important platform for regional countries to discuss and promote SLOCs security cooperation. Looking to the future, it is important that the parties give full play to the role of the forum and conduct more cooperation in more forms to make greater contribution to SLOCs security as well as prosperity and stability in the region.

最后，预祝此次研讨会圆满成功！

On this note, may I wish this workshop a complete success.

谢谢大家！

Thank you.