IMO chief says China's influence in maritime sector to grow

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez makes the remarks at a press briefing held at the IMO headquarters in London, Jan. 23, 2026. Dominguez said here on Friday that China is an active member of the organization and that its participation will continue to play an important role as the IMO faces an increasingly heavy agenda in the years ahead. (IMO/Handout via Xinhua)

LONDON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said here on Friday that China is an active member of the organization and that its participation will continue to play an important role as the IMO faces an increasingly heavy agenda in the years ahead.

Dominguez made the remarks at a press briefing held at the IMO headquarters in London, where he introduced the organization's work priorities for 2026 and answered questions from the media.

In response to a question from Xinhua, he said China operates the world's largest ports and is currently the biggest shipbuilding nation.

He noted that China's development in technology, its transition toward greener operations, and its efforts to increase efficiency in areas such as safety, security and ship-to-port operations are all highly relevant to the work of the IMO and constitute key information for the organization's processes.

Speaking of China's role within the IMO, Dominguez said that China's engagement with all member states is essential to reaching consensus on the topics discussed by the organization.

He stressed that the participation of Chinese organizations "continues to be very relevant and is increasing," particularly as the IMO is facing a very heavy agenda of topics, not only for this year, but also for the years to come.

According to Dominguez, the IMO's key priorities in the new year include ensuring maritime safety and security, accelerating the decarbonization of international shipping, promoting digitalization and the development of smart shipping, and improving the welfare and rights of seafarers.

The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

The organization currently has 176 members. China has been one of the 10 Category A members of the IMO Council since 1989. ■