In 2025, under the guidance and support of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, SIO successfully organized four sessions of foreign aid technical training programs. More than 100 participants from nearly 20 countries across ASEAN, Africa, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) gathered in China to learn state-of-the-art marine observation technologies and advanced concepts, injecting new momentum into the joint building of a Marine Community with a Shared Future.
Centered on a framework integrating theory, practice and cultural exchange, SIO has joined hands with top universities, research institutions and enterprises nationwide to develop a comprehensive teaching system. Adopting diversified teaching modes including thematic lectures, case studies and field visits, SIO has delivered advanced, diversified and highly rewarding training experiences for all participants.
Courses are tailored to address the core development needs of participating countries. Cutting-edge modules covering sea level monitoring, coastal zone adaptation, marine observation and forecasting, ecological governance and disaster monitoring have won high recognition among participants. For instance, the course “Global Sea Level Variation Characteristics under Climate Change” offered in the China-ASEAN Training Program on Sea Level Rise and Coastal Zone Adaptation closely addresses the practical challenges ASEAN countries face in tackling sea level rise, and was rated the most popular premium course of this training session. Momodou Kanteh, a Gambian trainee of the China-Africa Marine Governance Training Program, wrote a full-length feature for The Gambia Daily upon returning home to recount his training experience and voice optimism about China-Africa marine collaboration.
Gambian Trainee Lauds Training in Local Newspaper
Beyond theoretical lectures, each training session incorporates field practice and site visits. Over the past year, participants from various countries have boarded the research vessel Dayang, visited national key laboratories, and toured ecological restoration projects and smart ports, gaining first-hand experience of China’s innovative practices in marine science and green development. Tesfamichael Berhane, an official from the Ministry of Marine Resources of Eritrea, spoke highly while conducting on-site observation at Qingdao Port, “The automated terminal system and smart logistics platform of Qingdao Port are astounding. They vividly demonstrate how high technology empowers traditional port operations and offer us extremely valuable experience for development.”
Trainees Visit Qingdao Port
The international marine training programs have been affirmed by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Natural Resources. At the closing ceremony of the Training Program on Enhancing Africa’s Marine Observation and Forecasting Capacity, Mr. Xu Kai, Deputy Director General of the Academy for International Business Officials, presented completion certificates to all participants. He extended sincere congratulations to the trainees and stated earnestly, “We stand ready to share knowledge and experience with other developing countries, jointly tackle challenges and crises, and build a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity.” Mr. Wang Antao, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Natural Resources, also stated, “China is ready to work with all parties to focus on the four pillars of disaster prevention and mitigation, blue economy, scientific and technological innovation, and ecological protection, and advance sustainable development together through technology sharing and capacity building.”
Xu Kai presented completion certificates to the participants
The successful conclusion of the 2025 international China-Aid marine training programs has not only effectively boosted the capacity building of relevant countries in marine sectors, but also deepened friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation between China and SIDS, African countries as well as ASEAN member states. It has laid a solid foundation for advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and improving the global ocean governance system. In the future, SIO will further deepen practical cooperation with relevant countries in technical support, joint research, talent development and other fields based on this series of training programs. We will promote regular cooperation and work with all partner countries to jointly write a new chapter in sustainable marine development and international friendship.