On the morning of 18 May 2018, we held a symposium to discuss measures to support jurisdiction over China’s jurisdictional waters under the new circumstances. We were joint by a delegation led by Gao Haiyan, vice secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and standing deputy chief prosecutor of the provincial procuratorate, and Guo Shenglan, director of public prosecutions. Also present were Xu Yahui, secretary of the Leading Party Members' Group and president of Haikou Maritime Court, Jian Wancheng, member of the Leading Party Members' Group and vice president of the court, as well as heads of relevant divisions.

At the meeting, Xu Yahui first warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of Haikou Maritime Court. He pointed out that the best opportunity for maritime courts’ growth had arrived, and it was a significant and honourable mission to be a pioneer and main force in this reform. In exercising jurisdiction over China’s jurisdictional waters, Haikou Maritime Court would continue to follow the political guidance and uphold our characteristics. We would strive to set up an international team of judges, try elite cases exemplifying rights protection in the South China Sea, and make new and more significant contributions in support of the country’s important strategies. On this basis, corresponding procuratorate authorities should be set up to exercise legal supervision in common efforts to guard the southern gate of our mother land.

Jian Wancheng talked about the court’s recent exercise of jurisdiction over maritime criminal cases as well as situations and problems we had learnt during relevant research. He also elaborated proposals for promoting maritime courts’ jurisdiction over maritime criminal cases.

The meeting explored practical issues such as procuratorate supervision corresponding to maritime trials, plaintiffs in public interest litigation concerning marine environment, and the unavailability of public procuratorates in maritime criminal cases. In-depth discussions were also had about supporting judicial system reform, organization, and management of personnel, finance and resources.