China, South Korea Hold Fourth Round of Maritime Affairs Dialogue in Tianjin

The maritime affairs dialogue is a reminder that East Asian maritime disputes are being managed through a parallel track of practical cooperation even as boundary delimitation remains unresolved. The breadth of the agenda — defense, law enforcement, fisheries, research, environment, shipping and search and rescue — signals that both sides see functional cooperation as a way to stabilize the relationship. The open question is whether the agreement in principle to hold the fifth meeting in South Korea next year translates into further institutionalization, or remains a consultative exercise without binding outcomes.