On the afternoon of 3 August 2017, a delegation from our court visited Guangzhou Maritime Court. The delegation was led by Jian Wancheng, vice president, and Zhong Aiping, member of our special committee. They conducted a survey of maritime trial strategies in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as on the building of international maritime justice centres and court informatization.

Ye Liudong, president of Guangzhou Maritime Court, warmly welcomed our delegation. He pointed out that maritime courts should promote better exchanges and smoother communication, so that they could learn from each other and function better as a whole to improve maritime justice competence and the social influence of maritime courts. The current situations at home and abroad had presented maritime courts with greater challenges as well as advantageous opportunities. It was important that maritime courts should seize the opportunities, adopt a global perspective, and vigorously promote the strategy of elite maritime hearing. We should actively support the building of international maritime justice centres, strive for a stronger say in global matters, and play a more significant role in interpreting and formulating international rules. Ni Xuewei, division director, and Song Haijian then elaborated the strategies implemented by Guangzhou Maritime Court in support of the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as its progress in the building of international maritime justice centres and court informatization.

Mr Jian pointed out that Guangzhou Maritime Court was one of the leaders among maritime courts across the country, and we should all learn from its trial practices, dedication to public services, and informatization experience. He thanked Guangzhou Maritime Court for sharing its advanced thinking, measures and achievements. He further invited President Ye to visit our court with a delegation, so as to promote communication and exchanges for further progress in maritime hearing.