As a major developing country with a long coastline, China attaches great importance to marine development and protection, and takes it as the state’s development strategy. It is constantly strengthening comprehensive marine management, steadily improving its marine laws, and actively developing science, technology and education pertaining to the oceans. China has made positive contributions to international ocean development and protection by participating positively in UN marine affairs, promoting country-to-country and regional cooperation and conscientiously carrying out its obligations in this field.

The year 1998 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Ocean Year, and on this occasion the Chinese Government would like to introduce the progress of China ’s work in this particular field to the world.