China's Maritime Strength Leads the World: Steady Progress from Major Shipping Nation to Global Maritime Power

During the recently concluded National People's Congress, a set of data regarding China's shipping industry drew widespread attention—approximately 95% of China's foreign trade cargo is transported by sea, with its international shipping volume accounting for nearly one-third of the global total. Behind these figures lies years of accumulated strength as a major shipping nation and a firm stride toward becoming a global maritime power.

Data shows that China now possesses the world's largest maritime fleet and a cluster of world-class ports. From Tianjin Port in the north to Guangzhou Port in the Greater Bay Area, from Shanghai Port in the east to Qinzhou Port in the west, a port network has taken shape that covers coastal areas, connects inland waterways, and reaches across the globe.

Currently, China has established stable shipping routes with more than 100 countries and regions, covering all coastal economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. This means that from electronics in Southeast Asia to machinery in Europe, from mineral resources in Africa to agricultural products in South America—the pulse of global trade beats strongly through China's fleet.

As a representative of Chinese ports, Shanghai Port's achievements are particularly remarkable. Data indicates that Shanghai Port has ranked first globally in container throughput for 16 consecutive years. Behind this record lies the efficient operation of automated terminals, the precise scheduling of digital systems, and the round-the-clock dedication of tens of thousands of port workers.

Late last year, with the official opening of Chancay Port in Peru, the shipping route between Shanghai and Chancay achieved two-way connectivity. This new trans-Pacific route not only shortens transportation time between China and the west coast of South America but also serves as the latest testament to connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese manufactured goods unloaded at Chancay can now enter South American markets more quickly, while copper and fruit from the Andes can reach China at lower costs.

When discussing ports and vessels, people often overlook those who navigate the giant ships through wind and waves. China currently has over two million registered seafarers, including 970,000 serving on ocean-going vessels—this is one of the largest and most experienced seafarer populations in the world.

These seafarers come from coastal provinces such as Shandong, Jiangsu, and Liaoning, with an increasing number of young people from inland regions joining their ranks. They spend years at sea, enduring separation from their families while witnessing firsthand every moment of Chinese-made products reaching the world. A captain with nearly three decades of experience once described his work this way: "A ship is floating territory, and we are China's business cards on the move."

This highly skilled workforce is precisely the most solid foundation supporting China's transition from a major shipping nation to a global maritime power.

Despite the impressive data, industry insiders are keenly aware that being a "major shipping nation" does not automatically make a "maritime power." In areas such as high-end shipping services, maritime law, and ship financing, China still lags behind the world's top levels.

Ni Di, a deputy to the National People's Congress and a senior captain at COSCO Shipping, pointed out during the Two Sessions that China needs to accelerate the cultivation of high-end shipping talent with global perspectives and enhance its voice in shaping global shipping rules. At the same time, with the rise of new technologies such as smart ships and green fuels, China's shipping industry faces the urgent task of transformation and upgrading.

As a vital part of the global supply chain, the container manufacturing industry is inseparable from the development of shipping. China is not only the world's largest container producer but also a frontier of technological innovation. From traditional dry vans and reefers to open-top containers and flat racks designed for specialized cargo, to custom units for modular construction—Chinese-made containers now sail with China's fleet to every corner of the globe.

At Long Teng Container Industrial, we understand deeply: every container's destination is another starting point. They carry not just cargo, but the trust and expectations of global trade.

From the sails of Zheng He's fleet centuries ago to today's massive vessels shuttling between global ports, the ocean has always been China's link to the world. With the deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative and the implementation of trade agreements such as RCEP, China's shipping industry is embracing new opportunities for development.

As a part of this industrial chain, we will continue to provide global customers with high-quality container products through reliable craftsmanship and innovative spirit, sailing together with China's shipping industry toward broader horizons.