Guided by shipping and guarded by law-legal thoughts on building the modern maritime sild road

Abstract

In this new era of political multi-polarization, economic globalization, and complicated maritime conflicts, China, by putting forth the strategic idea of rebuilding the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, has demonstrated grand ambition as a maritime power that respects history and pursues peace as well as a will to benefit the people in countries along the route by developing together. It has become so evident to us that the core motivation of building the Maritime Silk Road lies in setting up a platform of maritime economy and trade for countries in East, South and West Asia, East and North Africa and Europe, as well as promoting commercial and cultural exchanges among those countries. The ultimate goal, under the principles such as "equality and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win, openness and inclusiveness, harmony and friendliness", is to realize technological innovation, cultural convergence and trade exchange, bringing tangible benefit and spiritual joy to the people. However, this great strategic goal cannot be accomplished without improvement of China's maritime transport capability as well as protection of the legal system.