July 11 marked the 22nd China Maritime Day. At a press conference held by the State Council’s Information Office in the afternoon of June 30, Li Xinghu, Vice‑Minister of Transport, noted that the 2026 China Maritime Day activities, formulated in keeping with requirements for high‑quality development of China’s maritime sector under the 15th Five‑Year Plan period, delivered three major innovations.
First, the 2026 China Maritime Day main‑venue event was held in Beijing in the morning of July 11 for the first time in a hybrid online‑offline format. It reached maritime stakeholders nationwide, released the sector’s latest policies and practical outcomes, and invited industry representatives to share firsthand stories.
Second, a series of themed outreach campaigns were launched including Let’s Go to the Sea Together. Authorities staged a rescue and salvage skills contest, a dialogue on navigation safety governance, commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of China’s rescue and salvage service, as well as events for the Pearl River Basin. Multiple industry publications including New‑Energy Vessel Types for Domestic Waters 2026 were published, offering a full picture of advances in China’s maritime cause.
Third, diverse public‑oriented activities were carried out. China Maritime Museum in Shanghai partnered with six other maritime museums to present an online exhibition of marine‑themed cultural relics. Maritime‑themed water passenger transport voyages were rolled out in Beijing, Fujian and other locations.
As reported, the 2026 China Maritime Day Forum and associated events took place in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. Themed “Empowering Maritime Future through Digital‑Intelligent Technologies”, the Forum is co‑hosted by China Institute of Navigation, China Communications Construction Group Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Provincial Society of Comprehensive Transportation, and undertaken by the People’s Government of Yangzhou City.
Parallel sessions in Yangzhou featured the 2026 Symposium on New‑Quality Productivity Development in the Shipping Industry and other seminars, a port artisans’ innovation exchange camp, maritime science‑popularization and cultural programs, plus exhibitions. The Forum and supporting events held in‑depth exchanges and discussions on digital‑intelligent shipping innovation, digital‑intelligent integration of green shipping, digital‑intelligent restructuring of global supply chains, maritime talent development, maritime knowledge popularization and promotion of the maritime spirit for the new era. Attendees shared practical achievements to pool insights for the further growth of China’s maritime sector.
(Li Siying, China Communications News)