The 75th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Technical Cooperation Committee (TC) was held in London, United Kingdom, from June 2 to 6, 2025. Representatives from the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China, along with officials from the Fujian and Jiangsu Maritime Safety Administrations, joined the maritime affairs team of the Chinese Embassy in the UK to form the Chinese delegation attending the meeting in person.

  The session featured a total of 15 agenda items, with China submitting three proposals. In addition to the plenary discussions, the meeting established two working groups—one on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and another on the 2021–2030 Capacity-Building Decade Strategy—as well as a drafting group focused on revising outputs under the work plan. Key topics under review included the Technical Cooperation Programme and Report for 2026–2027, resource mobilization and partnerships, the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda, the IMO Strategy on Capacity Development, regional representation and coordination, the IMO Member State Audit Scheme, the empowerment of women in the maritime sector, and the development of global maritime training institutions.

  The Chinese delegation actively participated in all plenary sessions, working groups, and drafting groups throughout the meeting, making constructive contributions and engaging in in-depth discussions. Their efforts were widely recognized and commended by the Committee Chair and other delegations, successfully fulfilling their intended objectives.

  First, China helped advance the inclusion of maritime technical assistance projects for Pacific Island countries into the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) for 2026–2027, laying a solid foundation for expanding China’s influence in international maritime technical cooperation.

  Second, a key proposal from China was adopted by the Committee. Drawing on an analysis of IMO Member State Audit Scheme results, China recommended that a “National Maritime Compliance Strategy” be treated as a vital input for technical cooperation planning. It further proposed the development of guidance documents and targeted technical assistance to help member states formulate and refine their national compliance strategies.

  Third, China joined Australia and New Zealand in presenting the outcomes of the 24th Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum and the launch of the Fuzhou Declaration cooperation initiative. The Chinese delegation also shared updates on its 2024 technical cooperation activities, offering replicable experiences and models to the international community.

  Fourth, China contributed to drafting the IMO’s comprehensive Strategy on Capacity Development, helping finalize the IMO Strategy on Capacity Development and its implementation guidelines. The delegation also took part in discussions on refining IMO’s sustainable development performance indicators to ensure alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  Looking ahead, under the guidance of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Transport, the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China will closely monitor emerging developments in IMO technical cooperation activities. Efforts will be made to strengthen China’s strategic planning in this area, coordinate domestic resources, and actively initiate Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) projects. China will also take a leading role in launching long-term initiatives to address global maritime challenges, creating favorable conditions for hosting various maritime exchange activities within the country.

  At the same time, China will deepen its commitment to South-South cooperation, enhancing maritime technical assistance and compliance capacity-building for developing countries, small island developing states, and least developed countries. These efforts aim to elevate the visibility and influence of China’s maritime sector in international maritime cooperation and dialogue.