China celebrates Chinese New Year at International Maritime Organization in London

China hosted a Spring Festival reception at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London on Tuesday, celebrating the Chinese New Year and the upcoming Year of the Horse together with the IMO member states.

Chinese ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended the event and conveyed best wishes for the Chinese New Year to the representatives and delegates attending the event. He also thanked Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez and the IMO Secretariat for their supports to China and contribution to the Council.

The ambassador said China has fulfilled its major economic and social development goals while bringing the 14th Five-Year Plan to a successful conclusion in the outgoing Year of the Snake. China vows to expand high-standard opening up while maintaining the course of high-quality development, as the country is ready to start its 15th Five-Year Plan, said Zheng.

During his speech, the Chinese ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to upholding the international system with the United Nations at its center.

"We have all along attached great importance to IMO and to global maritime cooperation. We are committed to working together with all countries to advance the sound and sustainable development of the shipping industry and achieve the IMO’s mission of ‘safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans'," he said.

Zheng said China will continue to work together with all parties to safeguard the IMO-centered global maritime governance system and overcome the negative impacts of geopolitics and rising trade protectionism.

Secretary-General Dominguez thanked China for the reception. Noting that the Year of the Horse symbolizes courage and resilience, he expressed appreciation for China’s continued engagement in advancing the IMO's agenda, calling on the member states to maintain friendship and cooperation.

Last November, China inaugurated its Permanent Mission to the IMO and was elected to the IMO Council as a Category A council member for its 19th consecutive term.