Pursuant to the Convention on the International Maritime Consultative Organization adopted in 1948 and entered into force on March 17, 1958, the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization formally came into being in Londonin 1959 and was changed to the International Maritime Organization on May 22,1982. Since Chinabecame its member in 1973, it had been elected Council member of B category, from the 9thto the 15thAssembly and Council member of "A" category from the 16thto 21stAssembly. Also, Chinahas sent scores of professional persons to further their studies in the IMO-sponsored world maritime university. The year 1984 saw the IMO set up a Dalianbranch of that university in China's city of Dalian. The IMO secretary-general has been China's guest on many occasions. And Chinais represented in the IMO by way of a permanent representative office in London.

In the course of 2002, the friendly and cooperative relations between Chinaand the IMO were further enhanced.

From 7-11 January, the IMO convened the 29thsession of its FacilitationCommittee in London, UK. Chinawas represented at the session by representatives from the ministries such as communication, public security and customs administration. The session adopted an amendment to the 1965 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, and discussed issues including the customs procedure for those leaving the port by ship and customs clearance and safety measures and procedures for resettling those rescued in the sea. The Chinese delegate was actively involved in the discussions, and was also represented at the Working Group for Ship/ Port Interface, Working Group for e-commerce and the drafting of shipment facilitation convention.

From 7-11 October, the IMO Maritime Environment Protection Committee held its 48thsession in London, UK.. Chinawas represented by the communications ministry. The session devoted its discussion to the issues such as harmful aquatic life in ballast water and prevention of vessels' atmospheric pollution, and to this end, the working groups were formed. In addition, a drafting group on deliberation on the adoption of compulsory legal instrument was also set up. The session also elected the chairperson and vice- chairpersons for the committee's work in 2003. Chinaplayed its part in discussions. It emphasized the need of various countries to protect the climatic system on the basis of equality, according to the common but differentiated commitment under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as in the current and future interest of mankind with the developed countries taking lead in shouldering corresponding responsibility for the climatic change and its harmful impact.

The Chinese government sent delegation to the diplomatic conference for revising the Athens Convention held from 21 October to 1 November and the meeting of contracting parties to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 from 9-13 December.

From 9-13 December, the conference of the contracting parties to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (known also as the diplomatic conference on maritime security) was convened in London, UK. Chinawas present. The conference passed a complete set of regulatory guidelines regarding counter-terror at sea, thereby providing a security framework for the vessels and port facilities.