New agency to safeguard China's marine interests

The China Association of Marine Affairs was established on Friday in Beijing.

It aims to study the marine economy, marine environmental protection, and to safeguard the country's maritime interests.

Luo Fuhe, vice-chairman of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Xu Shaoshi, minister of land and resources, and Liu Cigui, head of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA), were selected as honorary presidents of the association. Wang Shuguang, former director of the SOA, was selected as president.

The agency will serve as a think tank for the country's marine development and provide advice to policymakers on promoting China's strategic marine development. Its general council consists of nearly 70 scholars, experts and officials in departments, organizations and companies from the marine sector.

In 2012, the gross domestic product of marine industries was expected to pass 5 trillion yuan ($794 billion), according to the State Oceanic Administration.