HAIKOU, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 40 officials and experts from China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are exchanging views on maritime security and rescue at a week-long seminar that opened Monday in the city of Haikou, south China's Hainan Province.

Participants focus on topics including maritime security, maritime search and rescue and fishery management during the training program.

Besides lectures, mock drills, round-table discussions and group work, they will also visit maritime-related organizations in Hainan.

Giovanni G. Bergantin from the Philippines said the ocean served as a bridge between countries, and the seminar provided an opportunity for the participants to exchange views and explore future cooperation.