China to strengthen protection of maritime interests

BEIJING -- China aims to raise maritime awareness and improve the systems and mechanisms for safeguarding maritime rights and interests, according to a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

The country will promote the building of a just and equitable international maritime order and play an active part in formulating rules for international maritime governance, said the draft outline submitted Thursday to China's top legislature for examination.

China will advance the establishment of a dedicated international ocean organization in the country, the draft outline said.