The announcement of China Maritime Day 2023
Today is not only the 19th China Maritime Day, but also the implementation of the “World Maritime Day” in our country. In order to further carry forward the spirit of navigation in the new era, inherit the navigation culture, enhance the awareness of navigation and maritime of the whole people, accelerate the construction of a strong transportation and maritime power, better serve the construction of a new development pattern, and promote the high-quality co-construction of the “Belt and Road”, with the consent of the members of the Working Committee of the Maritime Day, the following announcement is issued:
One should be as encompassing as the vast ocean which admits hundreds of rivers. The inclusive and interconnected oceans connecting 7 continents of the world, bring humans everywhere with a shared future. The ancestors of Chinese nation who set sail through turbulent waves opened the Maritime Silk Road 2,000 years ago during the Qin and Han dynasties. The great navigator Zhenghe in Ming dynasty led his fleet of ships for maritime expeditions seven times 600 years ago, which has created an unprecedented feat of human trans-ocean navigation and built a bridge of friendship with the world. In modern times, Chinese seafarers are plowing the seas to pursue their blue dreams. They have opened up maritime routes to ensure the stability and smooth flow of logistics supply chains, built Bridges and links to promote global economic and trade exchanges, and made the Maritime Silk Road full of vitality in the new era. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the joint “Belt and Road Initiative”. Over the past 10 years, economic and trade exchanges between China and countries and regions along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road have become increasingly closer, and steady progress has been made in maritime economic, cultural, educational, scientific and technological exchanges and practical cooperation, which have further enriched the practice of building a maritime community with a shared future, and demonstrated China’s responsibility and sense of responsibility as a major country in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of China’s restoration of its lawful seat in the International Maritime Organization. Over the past 50 years, China has actively participated in the formulation of international maritime rules, fully integrated into global maritime governance, and been elected a member of Category A of the IMO for 17 consecutive times, contributing China's wisdom to the healthy and sustainable development of world shipping.
China is a large maritime, navigation and shipbuilding country with vast sea areas under its jurisdiction and a long coastline. Navigation plays an important role in China’s endeavor to from a new pattern of all-round opening up and build a community with a shared future for mankind. As the world’s largest trader in goods and the second largest economy, about 95% of China’s import and export goods are transported by sea. Shipping routes and service networks cover major countries and regions in the world. China ranks among the world’s largest in terms of port size, crew size, shipbuilding output and shipping fleet size. China’s gross maritime product exceeded 9 trillion yuan for the first time in 2022.
These achievements couldn’t have been made without the important contributions made by seafarers, marine fishery crews, maritime engineering builders, the military and police officers, and the officials and staff from shipping units, port departments, maritime salvage systems and other seafaring workers, who have devoted themselves to the cause of navigation and the development of marine economy. In this festival which belongs to all the mariners, we would like to extend festive greetings and lofty greetings to all Chinese seafarers!
In the new era, as we embarking on a new journey to build a great modern socialist country in an all-round way, we must make overall planning on land and sea, strengthen maritime mapping, raise people's awareness of the ocean, and vigorously carry forward the maritime spirit of “patriotic dedication, pioneering efforts, braving difficulties, seeking truth and pragmatism, working together in times of trouble, and inclusive cooperation”. We should uphold harmony between and people and sea, strengthen marine environmental protection, and jointly safeguard the blue homeland of mankind. We should adhere to scientific and technological innovation, build a modern marine industry system, and lead a safe, green, intelligent development of high quality. We need to pursue mutual benefit, jointly build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, jointly address risks and challenges, and together build a better future.
The theme of China Maritime Day 2023 is “Sailing for the New Maritime Silk Road, Heading Towards the Development Paradigm ”. The China Maritime Forum 2023 was held today in Cangzhou, Hebei province. The official launch of China Maritime Week aims to promote the exchanges of nautical and maritime community at home and abroad at a higher level and in more dimensions, build consensus on development, and deepen the practical corporation. To celebrate the China Maritime Day, a series of colorful and distinctive activities are held across the country.
Concentrating on the mission and setting sail on a new journey, let us join hands to implement the new development concept in a complete, accurate and comprehensive manner, serve to build a new development pattern, accelerate the development of China's transportation and maritime power, and write a new chapter in promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The Organizing Committee of the China Maritime Day
11 July, 2023