China has formally inaugurated its permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), marking a significant step in its expanding role within global maritime governance.
The launch was celebrated at a reception held at the Chinese Embassy in London, hosted by China’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Zheng Zeguang, alongside Vice Minister of Transport Li Yang.
The event highlighted China’s achievements in maritime shipping, its growing leadership in the sector and its long-standing commitment to strengthening co-operation within the international maritime community.
Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Zheng reflected on the country’s progress during the period of the 14th Five-Year Plan, noting that China’s economic power, technological capability and overall national strength have risen to unprecedented levels. With the 15th Five-Year Plan set to begin next year, he explained that China intends to carry forward its modernisation drive through high-quality development tailored to local conditions, the creation of new quality productive forces and a renewed dedication to opening up at a high standard.
These developments, he said, will continue to inject stability, confidence and positive momentum into the global economy.
Ambassador Zheng underscored the central role of the shipping industry as a vital bridge between China and the rest of the world.
He reaffirmed China’s firm support for the international system with the United Nations at its core and emphasised the country’s commitment to practising genuine multilateralism.
The establishment of the permanent mission, he said, reflects China’s deep respect for the IMO as a specialised UN agency and signals its readiness to enhance dialogue, co-ordination and co-operation with the IMO Secretariat and fellow Member States.
Through this step, China aims to make fresh contributions to the improvement of global maritime governance and the safeguarding of resilient industrial and supply chains worldwide.
Vice Minister Li Yang echoed these sentiments, highlighting China’s determination to honour its responsibilities under international conventions and to act in accordance with its stature as a major maritime nation.
He described the new permanent mission as an important platform through which China will strengthen collaboration with other IMO Member States, accelerate the development of a modernised shipping system and play an even more active role in fostering global economic growth and the stability of international supply chains.
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