Imagine a cargo ship making its way through the Gulf of Aden, navigating waters once plagued by piracy. Thanks to sustained naval patrols, this vessel sails with growing confidence—a testament to global collaboration on the high seas.
Since 2008, China has led efforts under UN mandates to secure vital sea lanes. By March 2024, the Chinese navy deployed 46 escort fleets, over 150 vessels and 36,000 personnel, safeguarding more than 7,200 commercial ships from over 30 nations.
Security is just one pillar of this initiative. Regular joint exercises with Russia, Pakistan, Thailand, Iran, South Africa and members of ASEAN have enhanced anti-piracy operations, search-and-rescue coordination and humanitarian response.
Economic connectivity thrives under the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road—part of the Belt and Road Initiative. This network now links 117 ports across 43 countries. A coalition of 300 enterprises streamlines logistics, while an oceanographic forecasting system provides real-time data to over 100 partner cities, bolstering safety and resilience.
Environmental stewardship anchors China’s maritime strategy. Aligned with the UN’s 2030 agenda, the nation advocates stronger mechanisms to protect marine biodiversity. Committed to peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, China is greening marine industries—from fisheries to shipbuilding and clean energy.
Innovations like modern marine ranching illustrate progress. By 2023, 169 national-level demonstration zones generated about 178 billion yuan in annual ecological value, restoring marine ecosystems and supporting sustainable fisheries.
As the vision of a "maritime community with a shared future" celebrates its sixth anniversary, China’s combined push on security, trade and sustainability charts a course toward safer seas and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
China advances global maritime cooperation for shared community
cgtn.com
