The vast expanse of deep blue, all things return to sail | 2024 China Navigation Day Announcement

The deep blue is endless, and everything is returning. From the opening of the ancient Silk Road two thousand years ago, to Zheng He's seven voyages to the Western Seas more than 600 years ago, to the construction of the contemporary global shipping network, navigation has always played a key role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among world civilizations. From the invention of the compass, stern rudder and watertight cabin in ancient times to today's autonomous navigation of smart ships, fully automated operation of cargo terminals, and the rapid rise of digital management of waterways, Chinese navigators have always persisted in pioneering and innovating, and have taken practical actions to prosper and prosper towards the sea. Haituqiang’s great dream.

My country has vast sea areas and a world-class port group. As the world's second largest economy, it is not only a major maritime country, a shipping country, a shipbuilding country, but also the world's largest goods trading country. About 95% of my country's import and export freight volume is carried by sea transportation. Its routes and service network cover major countries and regions around the world. It is a world leader in terms of crew team, shipbuilding market share, maritime fleet size, and marine fisheries. The gross marine product value in 2023 will be nearly 10 trillion yuan. my country has always adhered to the principles of co-construction, sharing and mutual benefit, and has deepened connectivity cooperation with countries and regions co-building the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road", injecting new vitality into building a maritime community with a shared future. In promoting the sustainable development of shipping, our country has actively followed the development trend of green, low-carbon and smart shipping and vigorously promoted the development of green and smart shipping. Smart ships, smart ports and smart waterways have gradually become a beautiful business card for the high-quality development of my country's water transport, laying the foundation for creating a modern marine The industrial system has contributed valuable Chinese wisdom.

This year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. Looking back on the past, we sailors are deeply proud; facing the future, we sailors are full of hope and longing.

In a new round of global technological revolution and industrial transformation, new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing have had a revolutionary impact on the world’s transportation modernization process, creating new opportunities for global transportation development. new momentum and advantages.

We must be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, and conscientiously implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “A strong economy must be a maritime power and a shipping power.” important instructions to promote the high-quality development of the maritime industry and accelerate the construction of a safe, convenient and efficient, green, economic, inclusive and resilient sustainable transportation system, making new and greater contributions to accelerating the construction of a transportation power and a maritime power.

We must anchor the goal of smart navigation and actively promote high-level navigation and self-reliance in science and technology. Focus on the key core technologies of smart navigation to fight hard, build a smart navigation technology development ecosystem, cultivate and develop new productive forces, use technological innovation to drive industrial transformation and upgrading and improve quality and efficiency, accelerate the research and development and application of smart ships, and promote the digitalization of shipping, ports, and logistics Intelligentization, strive to build a world-class fleet and port, promote comprehensive utilization and sustainable development of the ocean, make the blue economy bigger and stronger, and make active efforts to build a strong country.

We must enhance the national awareness of the ocean, popularize and develop maritime culture, carry forward and inherit the maritime spirit of the new era, deeply explore the cultural heritage of relying on the sea to pursue dreams, and strengthen the value pursuit of pursuing strength in the sea. Continuously strengthen the blue cultural gene, cultivate maritime culture for young people, transform the historical heritage and humanistic charm accumulated in the ocean into a powerful force to promote the high-quality development of the maritime industry, and strive to realize the dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation at an early date.

We must deepen international exchanges and cooperation, steadily promote the high-quality development of transportation connectivity along the Belt and Road, and jointly build the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road with high quality to build a maritime community with a shared future. The actual results provide Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to promote the integration of marine cultures, enhance marine welfare, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

As the theme of China Maritime Day 2024, "Smart Navigation Smoothly Navigates the Future" not only fits the theme of this year's World Maritime Day "Navigating the Future: Safety First", but also reflects the maritime people's commitment to the future. Future expectations. Today, the 2024 China Maritime Day Forum was held in Binhai New District, Tianjin, and the China Maritime Day Activity Week officially started. To celebrate China Maritime Day, a series of colorful and unique Maritime Day activities are also held across the country.

Those who share the same goals are not far away from mountains and seas. Let us work together to promote high-quality development, closely focus on the beautiful vision of "people enjoy their travels and materials flow smoothly", strive to accelerate the construction of a transportation and maritime power, and strive to be the pioneers of Chinese-style modernization and provide a good foundation for China's modernization. To realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and build a community with a shared future for mankind, work hard and sail firmly!

Sailing Day Event Organization Working Committee

July 11, 2024

Original title: Announcement of China Maritime Day in 2024