On October 22, a 16-member delegation led by Rear Admiral James Lybrand, Commander of the Australian Defence College, visited the Beijing Branch of National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS). The delegation also participated in an online exchange with researchers from the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance (Huayang Center) and NISCSS in Haikou. Wu Shicun, Chairman of the Huayang Center and Chairman of the Academic Committee of NISCSS met with the delegation and presided over the discussion. The two sides engaged in candid and in-depth discussions on topics including the current situation in the South China Sea, the South China Sea Arbitration, freedom of navigation, and regional security cooperation.

Both parties acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of the South China Sea issues and agreed that strengthening dialogue and academic exchanges would help enhance mutual understanding, better manage differences, and explore cooperation opportunities. The two sides expressed their commitment to maintaining ongoing communication and working toward the establishment of more regular mechanisms for academic exchanges and mutual visits.