China's shipbuilding capacity is reaching a new height as the industry witnesses a surge in export orders, particularly for high-tech and high-value ships.
In the bustling shipyards of Shanghai Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a large shipbuilding enterprise under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a remarkable scene unfolds as vessels are swiftly constructed one after another. The orders are all for high value-added vessels, with a record 20 more under construction at the same time this year.
"Our current civilian ship orders are quite substantial, totaling 57 LNG carriers and 31 large container ships. The customers placing these orders are scattered around the world, including Canada in the Americas, France and Germany in Europe, Qatar in the Middle East, and Singapore in the Asia-Pacific region," said Wang Jiaying, marketing director of the shipyard.
China's shipbuilding industry boasts a comprehensive industrial chain and is empowered by constatntly updated technologies, which consistently attracts global clients to place orders.
"We are able to apply the most cutting-edge and up-to-date construction technology to the construction of our products. Our shipbuilding management capabilities have also significantly improved, ensuring that we can fulfill the contract as planned for the shipowners, or even deliver the ship ahead of schedule, helping the shipowners to expand their shipping routes effectively. That's why more and more major shipowners are willing to sign contracts with Chinese shipbuilding companies," said Liu Xuedong, deputy general manager of Changxing Shipbuilding under Shanghai Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding.
The order schedule at Shanghai Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding is booked until 2029, with an order value close to 140 billion yuan (about 19.15 billion U.S. dollars).
China's shipbuilding sector sets sail with growing orders for high-tech vessels
Thailand will release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored, a Thai official said on Saturday, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire following days of heavy clashes.
The ceasefire was agreed following intense discussions at General Border Committee (GBC) meetings between Cambodia and Thailand in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.
Under the agreement, the truce took effect at noon local time and will be monitored by both sides for 72 hours. The Thai government said it reached the agreement after considering the impact of the crisis on the country's economy and international standing.
"Once peace has been restored, civilians can return to their homes safely. Thailand will then release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers," said Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit at a press conference after the meeting.
Thailand, in turn, expressed hope that Cambodian authorities will allow Thai citizens remaining in Cambodia to return safely.
The coming hours will be a key test of mutual trust. The two countries have agreed to keep communication channels open and work together to combat disinformation, which has complicated negotiations. Thailand also expects Cambodia to assist in clearing landmines in disputed areas.
Thailand said it is watching closely to see whether the ceasefire will be fully implemented, while remaining prepared to defend itself if hostilities resume.
"The ceasefire must be sincerely conducted and maintained. We are going to wait. That is why we have the 72-hour monitoring period in place. If things are not settled within the 72 hours, we will fall back to our protocol of using our right to defend our country," said Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee.
Prior to the ceasefire, the situation along the border was tense. During the General Border Committee talks, airstrikes and clashes occurred almost daily, with frontline control shifting frequently, taking a heavy toll on civilians.
Thailand to release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored: official
