Distinguished Guests,

The ocean provides an important basis for humanity to survive and thrive. The ancient maritime Silk Road shows how nations along the route interacted, integrated and achieved win-win cooperation through the ocean. Taking inspiration from history, President Xi Jinping put forward the initiatives of building a maritime community with a shared future and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. China is ready to synergize these initiatives with the “international maritime community” proposed by France and other bilateral and multilateral initiatives to increase their positive effect.

Firstly, jointly promoting marine ecological civilization. We need to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, forge a Blue Partnership, and strengthen the prevention and control of marine pollution. We need to protect marine biodiversity, support and join the international efforts against illegal fishing activities, and ensure a proper balance between the development and protection of the ocean.

Second, jointly developing the blue economy. We need to optimize the spatial planning of the marine economy and promote the development and use of offshore wind, tidal energy, wave energy and other renewable energies in an orderly fashion. We need to support R&D of algal biofuels technology, develop green and low-carbon shipping, and raise the capacity for maritime scientific and technological innovation. 

Third, jointly enhancing global marine governance. We need to firmly safeguard international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and steadily push forward negotiations on a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Developed countries should transfer marine technologies to developing countries, and ensure the benefit sharing of marine genetic resources. 

China is ready to actively participate in international cooperation on the onshore power supply (OPS) service in port for ships engaged on international voyages. China is always a promoter of sustainable marine development, a contributor to global marine governance, and a defender of the international maritime order, and will work with all countries to build a peaceful, cooperative and beautiful ocean.