Earlier this week, on Nov. 25, China inaugurated its permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at a reception held at the Chinese Embassy in London. The event marked a milestone in China’s efforts to deepen its role in shaping global maritime governance.
Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to the United Kingdom and China’s permanent representative to the IMO, co-hosted the reception with Li Yang, vice minister of transport and head of the Chinese delegation to the IMO Assembly. Nearly 300 diplomats, IMO delegates, industry leaders, and maritime experts gathered to celebrate the launch.
“Maritime transport is an important link between China and the rest of the world,” Zheng said, praising the IMO Secretariat and member states for their support. He underscored China’s commitment to upholding the United Nations-centered system and genuine multilateralism, noting that the new mission will strengthen coordination on global shipping standards and supply chain resilience.
Over the past five years, China’s maritime sector has seen rapid growth, driven by high-quality development and high-standard opening-up policies. Li Yang affirmed that China will fulfill its obligations under international conventions and leverage the permanent mission to expand cooperation with other IMO members, aiming to build a modern maritime transport system.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues and other guests praised China’s achievements in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and green shipping initiatives. As global trade faces challenges from climate change and geopolitical tensions, China’s enhanced engagement with the IMO is expected to play a key role in promoting sustainable and secure sea lanes.
Looking ahead, the new mission will serve as a bridge for dialogue on digital maritime technologies, decarbonization strategies, and emergency response mechanisms. For young entrepreneurs, policymakers, and digital nomads exploring the future of global logistics, China’s move signals a deepening of multilateral collaboration on the world’s oceans.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
