On July 21, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang visited the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and informed the organization’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez of the Chinese government’s decision to establish the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the IMO. Ambassador Zheng also presented the letter of credence appointing him as the Permanent Representative.
Ambassador Zheng stated that the Chinese government highly values the IMO’s pivotal role as a specialized UN agency in enhancing maritime safety, security, and preventing ship-source pollution of the oceans and atmosphere. As a Category A member of the IMO Council, China has consistently upheld and practiced true multilateralism, actively working toward the goal of “safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans.” The establishment of a permanent mission will further deepen China’s exchanges and cooperation with the IMO Secretariat and its member states, contributing to international maritime collaboration and advancing the vision of a global maritime community with a shared future.
Secretary-General Dominguez expressed his pleasure in welcoming Ambassador Zheng Zeguang as the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the IMO and receiving his credentials. The IMO Secretariat appreciates China’s engagement in the organization’s work and looks forward to its continued support.
The IMO is the UN specialized agency responsible for maritime safety, the prevention of marine pollution from ships, and related legal matters. Its headquarters is located in London, UK. Currently, it has 176 member states and three associate members. China resumed its lawful membership in the organization in 1973 and has been a Category A Council member since 1989. The Chinese government recently decided to establish the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the IMO, with Ambassador Zheng Zeguang concurrently serving as the Permanent Representative.
