On November 25, 2025, a reception was held at the Chinese Embassy in London to inaugurate the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Key figures in attendance included IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, Chinese Vice Minister of Transport Li Yang, and Zheng Zeguang, China’s ambassador to Britain and permanent representative to the IMO.
During the event, Secretary-General Dominguez emphasized China’s pivotal role in global maritime cooperation and the sustainable development of the shipping industry. He highlighted China’s status as a leading shipbuilding nation, a hub for major shipping companies, and a significant provider of seafarers, noting that these strengths contribute to the entire maritime value chain. This extensive involvement makes China a vital partner in efforts to ensure safety and security in shipping while also promoting sustainability and attracting new talent to the sector.
Dominguez further praised the establishment of China’s permanent mission as a testament to the country’s commitment to advancing the IMO’s objectives, which include digitalization, decarbonization, and the enhancement of safety standards. He pointed out that China’s participation would also facilitate knowledge sharing within the organization, thereby amplifying its contributions to the maritime industry.
The IMO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, oversees maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. With 176 member states, the organization has included China as a Category A member of its Council since 1989, reinforcing its influential position in maritime governance.
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