The Report to the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC）， made by then Party General Secretary Hu Jintao on November 8， 2012， laid out a blueprint for Chinas future. A comprehensive insight into the key terms in this report will help readers better understand the countrys national strategies and its future path. ChinAfrica introduces some of these terms.

A Maritime Power

The term “maritime power” appears in the section on“making great efforts to promote ecological progress” in the report delivered at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China （CPC）. It lays down a series of goals， including enhancing Chinas ability to “exploit marine resources， develop the marine economy， protect the marine ecological environment， resolutely safeguard Chinas maritime rights and interests， and build China into a maritime power.”

This term refers to a country with a strong capacity to explore oceans， exploit and manage marine resources and territory. China is set to become such a country， and is focused on developing its marine-based economy， advanced scientific and technological innovation， sound marine ecology and strong coastal defenses. Several national-level strategies are being planned in support of these efforts.

Chinas territory includes about 3 million square km of ocean， and more than 6，500 islands， each with an area of over 500 square meters. Chinas seabed is rich in oil， gas and other mineral and biological resources fundamental to Chinas effort to build itself into a maritime power.

To this end， developing a strong marine-based economy is key. Marine-related industries have become the driving force behind the development of Chinas economy. According to estimates， the sector will account for over 10 percent of Chinas GDP by 2015.

Fostering a sound marine environment is also fundamental to becoming a maritime power. While developing its marine-related economy， China is making greater efforts to protect marine ecosystems. By 2020， the number of marine nature reserves in China will reach 200， including at least 40 national-level reserves. Protecting and improving the marine environment is a goal supported by the Chinese people.

At present， Chinas Maritime Surveillance Fleet patrols the countrys territorial waters on a regular basis， protecting the nations sovereignty. The fishery administration and other marine departments also help safeguard the countrys maritime rights and interests.

（Source： CCTV News）