Gregory Moore at the University of Nottingham said although China often talks about its peaceful rise, its policy on the East Sea follows the direction of increasing military capabilities and boosting its political influence regardless of neighboring countries’ concerns. He suggested China ensure its East Sea policy does not increase distrust from other countries.

The event took place in the context of China and ASEAN being close to reaching a framework of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Scholars said that maintaining navigation freedom, devising coordination mechanisms and managing conflicts based on respect for law and mutual trust between concerned parties are important to settling disputes.

The particpants were from countries that claim no territory in the East Sea.