On December 1, IMO’s 33rd General Assembly held the election of new members in London, and China was once again elected as Category A member by a large vote. This is China's 18th consecutive term since 1989.In addition to China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Liberia were also elected as Category A members.

According to the IMO Convention, the General Assembly elected 40 members, of which Category A members consisted of 10 shipping powers, Category B members consisted of 10 maritime trading powers, and Category C members consisted of 20 important maritime nations representing the world's major geographic regions.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)