Xia Yongxiang is a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress. [Photo/WeChat ID: zsfygzh]

Xia Yongxiang, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and chairman of the Daishan Qiayuren Fisheries Specialized Cooperative of Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, made a suggestion to establish a specialized maritime emergency rescue force.

According to data released by the Ministry of Natural Resources, China's marine economy reached a new milestone in 2024, surpassing 10 trillion yuan ($1.38 trillion) output for the first time, marking a 5.9 percent increase from the previous year.

"The robust growth of the marine economy requires a complementary professional maritime disaster emergency rescue force," said Xia.

Xia, aware of the multiple challenges such as wind, waves, and tides that rescue teams face, particularly in offshore areas, emphasized the high professional requirements for rescue forces.

He said that maritime emergency management currently suffers from weaknesses such as incomplete organizational structures, inadequate personnel, and insufficient professional equipment.

Using Zhoushan as an example, Xia noted that during extreme weather like typhoons, over 12,000 vessels seek shelter in its waters, inevitably leading to various maritime emergencies.

Xia suggested establishing a marine emergency rescue center in East China, forming a specialized force for major maritime disasters.

"Zhoushan, with its strategic location and port advantages, could serve as the center that extends its reach to Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Fujian, thereby providing a robust, high-level safeguard for the high-quality development of the marine economy in East China," said Xia.