The 2024 East Asian Seas Congress and Xiamen International Ocean Week opened in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, on Nov 6.

Shen Yueyue, vice-chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, addressed the opening ceremony.

In her remarks, Shen highlighted China's commitment to building a maritime power characterized by a thriving economy, advanced technology, a robust environment, enriched culture and effective ocean governance.

Shen said China has maintained long-standing collaboration with member states of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). Through joint efforts in implementing the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia, all parties have established a stable framework for ongoing dialogue and exchange, allowing them to share practices and concepts in marine sustainability, she said. A cooperation path toward common prosperity and good-neighborliness has therefore been developed, Shen added.

Shen stressed that China is ready to work with other countries to promote marine ecological protection and sustainable marine resource use in the East Asian Seas region, striving to enhance the well-being of people across the region.

On behalf of China, Shen proposed recognizing oceans as a key element in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, viewing oceans as essential for high-quality development, and promoting ocean protection for ecological progress.

The congress, hosted by the PEMSEA, is a significant regional event dedicated to ocean governance. Themed "Blue Cooperation, Co-creating the Future: Fostering a Sustainable and Resilient Ocean", the event attracted around 1,000 attendees from China and abroad.