On September 21-22, the 2024 Annual Academic Conference of the Chinese Society of the Law of the Sea took place at the Qihang Activity Center. The theme of the conference was "Development of Marine Science and Technology and the Law of the Sea," hosted by the Chinese Society of the Law of the Sea and organized by HEU. Nearly 200 experts and scholars in marine law from universities, research institutions, and government departments gathered to explore new pathways for integrating marine law and technology.

Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included ZHANG Zhanhai, former chief engineer of the Ministry of Natural Resources; CHU Beiping, president of Shanghai Maritime University; LI Ben, full-time vice president of the Heilongjiang Law Society; ZHANG Haiwen, executive vice president of the Chinese Society of the Law of the Sea; and HEU vice presidents HAN Duanfeng and YAN Rujian. The ceremony was presided over by LIANG Liming, president of the Chinese Society of the Law of the Sea.

During the event, YAN Rujian highlighted HEU’s historical evolution, educational strengths, and recent technological achievements. He expressed that HEU aims to leverage its unique advantages through this conference, collaborating with experts to contribute to the development of China’s independent maritime law knowledge system.

In his speech, LI Ben emphasized that the Law of the Sea establishes the rights, obligations, and conduct codes for all countries in maritime matters, providing a legal foundation for safeguarding national maritime rights and security. He noted that this forum will enhance understanding and application of maritime law, aid in constructing a foreign-related rule of law, and offer solid legal support for China's marine industry.

The keynote speeches were chaired by ZHANG Haiwen, featuring presentations from ZHANG Zhanhai, HAN Duanfeng, CHU Beiping, and LIANG Liming. The conference also included a total of 12 group seminars, two of which were designated as "Youth Forums."