Why have maritime security and good governance emerged as key strategic global challenges?

The reason is simple: A huge chunk of global trade – and trade between the EU and Asia - is conducted on the seas.

Oceans are busy places. Very busy places.

Shipping lanes crisscross our seas, as huge tankers and vessels - big and small take – trillions of euros worth of goods from one country – from one continent – to another.

Oceans are also rich in resources – in fish, oil and gas for example.

It should be no surprise therefore that they can also become centres of criminal activities including piracy, illegal fishing and drug trafficking.

Oceans are also facing the challenge of climate change and global warming which are leading to rising sea levels.

And then there is the geopolitical challenge of competing national territorial claims which lead to heightened tensions between states.

With maritime geopolitics becoming increasingly fraught, improved maritime security and good governance are in everyone's interest.

This is why the EU and Asia are working together on these topics.

Joining us in this conversation are Joanneke Balfoort, Director Security and Defence policy at the European External Action Service, Marianne Péron Doise, Strategic Advisor for the EU project CRIMARIO and Michito Tsuruoka, Associate Professor at Keio University.

© EU - Asia Fora, 2021. All rights reserved. This project is funded by the EU.