By the end of 2006, China had about 1.55 million sailors working in transportation on the waterways, including 510,000 working in shipping- the largest number in the world-as learned from a news briefing on Monday, in Beijing, by the Ministry of Communications on the implementation of the Regulations of the People's Republic of China for Seamen.

As a widely recognized and large, seafaring country, China has been elected nine times as a Category A council member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its Shanghai port boasts a management capacity of 537 million tons- the world's highest for three successive years. The Rizhao and Nantong ports joined the ranks of 100 million-ton-class ports, bringing the total number of ports of that level to twelve. Chinese harbors have led the world for four successive years in cargo and container handling capacity.

China's foreign trade has grown steadily in recent years, with a value reaching 1760.7 billion US dollars in 2006, and staying at third place in the world. Of this, more than 93 percent of cargo was transported by sea. In regards to means of transport, over 90 percent of crude oil was imported by sea, and in 2006, the nation's costal oil shipping reached 430 million tons.

China published its Regulations for Seamen in an effort to protect seafarers' rights and interests. It will go into effect on September 1st of this year.

By People's Daily Online