Today marks China’s 21st National Maritime Day and the implementation date of “World Maritime Day” in our country. To further promote the spirit of maritime exploration in the new era, preserve maritime culture, enhance public awareness of maritime affairs, accelerate the construction of a strong transportation and maritime nation, and advance the building of a global community with a shared future, the following announcement is issued with the approval of the organizing committee members of China Maritime Day activities:
**2025·China Maritime Day**
The vastness of the sea mirrors the boundlessness of dreams. The ocean, the cradle of life and the wellspring of civilization, serves as a blue bond connecting the world. The maritime epic of the Chinese nation spans millennia, shining brilliantly. Over 2,000 years ago, the invention of the compass illuminated humanity’s bold voyages across oceans. Six hundred and twenty years ago, Zheng He led his mighty fleet on seven expeditions to the Western Seas, leaving an indelible Eastern mark on world maritime history. From the billowing sails of the ancient Maritime Silk Road to the arduous beginnings of modern national shipping and the flourishing development of contemporary maritime endeavors, the spirit of navigation has always coursed through the veins of the Chinese people.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China Maritime Day. In recent years, economic and trade exchanges between China and countries and regions along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road have grown increasingly robust. Exchanges and practical cooperation in economy, culture, education, sports, and technology, all centered around the ocean, have steadily advanced, further enriching the practice of building a maritime community with a shared future and highlighting China’s responsibility and commitment.
As the world’s largest trading nation in goods and the second-largest economy, approximately 95% of China’s import and export trade volume is conducted via maritime transport, with shipping routes and service networks spanning major countries and regions worldwide. China has become the country with the largest maritime infrastructure, the highest volume of maritime cargo transport, and ranks among the top globally in port scale, number of seafarers, fleet size, shipbuilding output, and marine fishery scale. In 2024, the gross ocean product exceeded 10 trillion yuan for the first time.
These achievements owe much to the significant contributions of maritime workers to the development of navigation and the marine economy. On this holiday dedicated to all seafarers, we extend our festive greetings and highest respect to all Chinese maritime professionals!
Currently, the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerated pace, with a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation deepening. China stands at a critical juncture in the initial stages of building a modern socialist country in all respects. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, we must fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, further deepen reforms, expand high-level opening-up, promote high-quality development in the shipping industry and marine economy, and accelerate the construction of a safe, convenient, efficient, green, economical, inclusive, and resilient sustainable transportation system. These efforts will contribute to building a strong transportation and maritime nation and make new, greater contributions to realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and fostering a global community with a shared future.
We must chart the course for smart navigation. By adapting to local conditions, we will cultivate new quality productive forces, vigorously advance self-reliance and self-improvement in marine technology, and accelerate the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain with maritime activities. We will build an innovation ecosystem that integrates industry, academia, research, and application, propel smart ships from R&D to large-scale commercial use, and achieve intelligent shipping dispatch, automated port operations, and real-time logistics information. We will strive to create world-class fleets and smart port clusters with global competitiveness, deeply explore the value of marine resources, and drive the marine economy toward high-end, intelligent, and green transformation.
We must illuminate the green foundation of maritime development. We will actively and steadily advance the “dual carbon” goals, achieving a comprehensive green transformation. We will accelerate the R&D and application of new-energy vessels and low-carbon, eco-friendly shipping technologies, build green ports and waterways, and establish a fully integrated green shipping system. Strengthening marine environmental protection, we will safeguard humanity’s blue home, contribute to global marine sustainability, and lead the trend of green development in the world’s marine economy.
We must solidify the cultural roots of maritime development. By delving into the essence of maritime culture, we will promote the new-era maritime spirit of “patriotism and dedication, pioneering and innovation, fearlessness and pragmatism, unity and cooperation.” We will continue to enhance public awareness of the ocean, regularly organize marine sports activities, and integrate blue culture into the nation’s identity. Strengthening society’s shared commitment to maritime strength, we will unite powerful spiritual forces to support the development of maritime endeavors.
We must expand the horizons of open cooperation. Adhering to high-level opening-up, we will accelerate the construction of a multidimensional connectivity network under the Belt and Road Initiative. Deeply integrating into the global marine governance system, we will promote improvements in maritime regulations and standards, fostering international mutual recognition of shipping rules and norms. Together, we will build smooth, efficient, and secure international maritime corridors, offering Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote maritime cultural exchange and enhance ocean well-being.
The theme of the 2025 China Maritime Day is “Green Navigation, Forging Ahead with Innovation.” Today, the 2025 China Maritime Day Forum is being held in Qionghai City, Hainan Province, officially launching the Maritime Day activities. Across the country, diverse and enriching events are taking place to advance China’s maritime exchanges and cooperation with the world at higher levels and broader scales, striving to build an inclusive, diverse, and universally beneficial global industrial and supply chain.
Steadfast in our mission, we stand at the forefront of a new journey. Let us join hands, shoulder the responsibility of accelerating the construction of a strong transportation and maritime nation, and remain connected with the world and the times. Focusing on high-quality development, we will make new and greater contributions to realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and jointly building a global community with a shared future!
**Organizing Committee of China Maritime Day**
**July 11, 2025**
