The 22nd Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting Working Level Meeting opened on Tuesday in Quanzhou, East China's Fujian province, aiming to deepen mutual trust and practical cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges.

The four-day event, hosted by the China Coast Guard, has brought together more than 50 foreign delegates representing maritime law enforcement agencies from 18 countries and regions, as well as two international organizations — the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Information Sharing Centre of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.

During the meeting, participants will hold in-depth consultations on key topics, including the prevention and combating of illegal maritime activities, maritime search and rescue, and marine ecological and environmental protection.

They will also explore emerging issues such as law enforcement related to marine carbon sinks, sea lane security and maritime counterterrorism, with the aim of strengthening mutual trust and expanding practical cooperation among member agencies to jointly address challenges in non-traditional maritime security fields.

In addition to official talks, the meeting is drawing on Quanzhou's rich historical heritage as a key port on the Maritime Silk Road to promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning among participating agencies.

Delegates will also experience elements of China's national intangible cultural heritage, including Nanyin — one of the oldest existing musical genres in China—and Zanhua, the traditional floral headwear worn by local women in Quanzhou, showcasing the distinct charm of Chinese culture and fostering mutual understanding.

Launched in 2004, the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting is a key multilateral mechanism for regional maritime security cooperation. It promotes dialogue and practical cooperation among enforcement agencies in combating piracy, smuggling and armed robbery against ships, while enhancing search and rescue coordination and marine environmental protection.