Core Insights - The report highlights the significant development and achievements of China's maritime trial system over the past 40 years, emphasizing its role in supporting the construction of a maritime power and high-level opening-up [1][2] Group 1: Development of Maritime Courts - China established its first maritime courts following a decision by the National People's Congress in November 1984, leading to a comprehensive maritime trial system that has evolved significantly [1] - The maritime trial system has matured with the establishment of 11 cross-administrative regional maritime courts and 42 branch courts, creating a three-tier court system covering all maritime areas and navigable waters [1] Group 2: Case Volume and Types - The annual case volume has surged from 18 cases in 1984 to 34,400 cases in 2024, with a cumulative total of 638,000 cases and a total amount in dispute exceeding 4.5 trillion yuan [2] - The scope of cases has expanded from 18 categories to 108, now including emerging fields such as marine development, environmental protection, and new maritime economic activities like offshore wind power and marine ranching [2] Group 3: Legal Framework and International Influence - The maritime legal system in China is continuously improving, with the Supreme Court issuing 38 maritime judicial interpretations and normative documents, along with 16 guiding cases and 122 typical cases [2] - The "Beijing Convention on Judicial Sale of Ships," driven by Chinese judicial practice, has become the first international maritime convention named after a Chinese city, showcasing China's influence in developing international maritime judicial rules [2]