China solidified its commitment to international maritime governance this week by inaugurating a permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. The historic reception on November 25, 2025, hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Britain, brought together over 300 global maritime leaders and diplomats.
Ambassador Zheng Zeguang, China's top envoy to the UK and IMO representative, emphasized the strategic importance of this move: "Maritime transport forms a vital bridge between China and the world. This permanent mission demonstrates our unwavering support for UN-led multilateral cooperation."
The establishment comes as China continues to expand its maritime capabilities, with Vice Transport Minister Li Yang pledging to "leverage this mission to enhance technical cooperation and safeguard global supply chain stability." IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues praised China's growing contributions to maritime safety and environmental initiatives during the ceremony.
Analysts view this development as timely, given China's recent advancements in green shipping technologies and its role in maintaining critical trade routes. The permanent mission is expected to facilitate real-time coordination on emerging challenges like Arctic navigation and zero-emission vessel development.
