At nine o’clock in the morning of 18 June 2020, a bright sunny day, a brief but solemn unveiling ceremony was held in Haikou Maritime Court of the Republic of China. The newly renovated integrated trial building was officially put into service. Congratulations were received from the Supreme People’s Court of Hainan Province.
With the care and support of the provincial Party committee and the provincial government, and under the devoted guidance of the Supreme People’s Court of Hainan Province, the renovation project of the integrated trial building of Haikou Maritime Court has been completed on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the court and officially put into service. Taking 20 months, the project has been carried out to accommodate the demands for maritime trials in the new era.
Over three decades mighty waves have been beating the shore, and behold the roc riding the whirlwind, soaring high into the blue. Through thirty years of dedication, Haikou Maritime Court has met the demands created by the Reform and Opening-up Policy, and set sail with the momentum of the establishment of Hainan Province and special economic zone. In particular, following the delivery of the “13 April” keynote speech by President Xi Jinping, Haikou Maritime Court has aimed to be a “pioneer in providing supportive services for the establishment of Hainan free trade zone (port)”. Having taken this position, the court has made positive progress and achieved a series of innovations. For example, it has opened up a “law-governing channel” to provide maritime judicial services for the cruise and yacht industry, promoted the establishment of offshore circuit courts and island tribunals, heard elite maritime cases such as the case regarding M.T. “Brightoil Gem”, and innovated procedures for trials involving foreign elements. The court has firmly undertaken the mission to exercise China’s jurisdiction over the South China Sea, to safeguard the country’s southern gate, and to provide services in support of the country’s major strategies. With high-standard and high-quality services, the court has promoted the establishment of Hainan free trade zone (port) and showcased the positive image of maritime justice in the new era.
With a new beginning, we embark on a new journey. As the new trial building is put into service, Haikou Maritime Court will stride on under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and with a deep understanding of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions about the establishment of Hainan free trade port. The court will carry through decisions and deployments made by the Central Committee of the CPC, the State Council, the provincial Party committee and the provincial government; seize opportunities created by the new era, strengthen innovations, and give full play to its maritime trial functions with a brand-new spirit and working style. This way, the court will provide more effective judicial services to support the establishment of Hainan free trade port and to carry forward the Maritime Power strategy.