Professor Huang Huikang, Director General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and a member of the International Law Commission of the United Nations, delivered a public lecture on “International Law and China’s Marine Rights and Interests” at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 12 December. Over 60 students and teachers attended the lecture, which was organised by the School of Law.

 

The objective of the public lecture was to set up a platform to facilitate exchanges between CityU law students and legal professionals from the mainland, and to deepen their understanding of China’s marine rights and interests and the application of international law in establishing a powerful maritime state.

 

Professor Huang discussed China’s foreign affairs strategies and the security situation of surrounding areas. He pointed out that the establishment of a powerful maritime state is one of the China’s most important strategic objectives. Therefore, the development of marine technology and the marine economy is a priority. Further, the safeguarding of national maritime sovereignty includes the sustainable development of marine rights and interests, and international maritime order.

 

Professor Wang Guiguo, Dean of the School of Law, said the School was honoured to have Professor as a guest speaker. “Professor Huang is a renowned expert in international law. He has published numerous books and articles,” Professor Wang said. “I sincerely look forward to the various opportunities for the exchange and the cooperation with Professor Huang.”

 

Eager students took the opportunity provided by the lecture to exchange views with and seek advice from Professor Huang.