On September 19, 2023, the Supreme People's Court (SPC) held a forum in Beijing to specifically solicit opinions and suggestions from representatives of the National People’s Congress, political advisors, and relevant organizations regarding maritime adjudication work, and to discuss the “Draft Report of the Supreme People’s Court on the Work of People's Courts in Maritime Adjudication”. Zhang Jun, Secretary of the SPC Party Leadership Group and President of the SPC, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Gao Youdong, Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Supervision and Judicial Affairs Committee, was present to offer guidance.

President Zhang Jun pointed out that the meeting served as both a thematic discussion on maritime adjudication work and an important initiative by the people’s courts to actively accept supervision and solicit opinions. He emphasized the need to thoroughly implement the rule-of-law philosophy of Xijinping, adhere to a people-centered approach, carefully study and incorporate the 50 valuable suggestions put forward by the delegates, committee members, and various units. This effort should not only improve the report’s content but also drive the quality and efficiency of maritime adjudication work, thereby supporting the construction of a strong maritime nation.

The participating delegates and committee members fully affirmed the SPC’s initiative to report on its work and accept supervision. They put forward multiple suggestions on strengthening the development of maritime adjudication teams, increasing the application of technology, deepening court-academia cooperation, improving supervision and guidance mechanisms, and enhancing the publicity of typical cases. Representatives from ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the China Coast Guard, offered specific opinions on strengthening the connection between law enforcement and judiciary, enhancing collaborative efficiency, and intensifying efforts in marine ecological protection.

Vice Chairman Gao Youdong stated that the people’s courts have achieved significant results in the field of maritime adjudication in recent years. He expressed that the NPC Supervision and Judicial Affairs Committee will continue to support and cooperate with relevant work to jointly serve the national maritime strategy and the broader picture of high-quality development.

This forum consolidated consensus from multiple parties, laying a solid foundation for the next step—submitting a special report on maritime adjudication work to the NPC Standing Committee. It will also effectively propel maritime judicial work in the new era towards higher quality.