Haikou Maritime Court held an English salon on the morning of October 25, 2024. The salon aimed to build a platform for international judicial exchanges and English learning, and further enhance the judges’ English proficiency and practice of legal English in work.

“How to become a good maritime judge” was the theme of the salon. Focusing on this topic, judges took turns to share their experience in how to improve legal English based on their practice in work, as well as their understanding of the maritime law, international trade, and the Hainan Free Trade Port policies. They expressed their commitment to contribute their share to accelerate the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port with concrete actions, including to raise their political awareness, enhance professional competence and occupational ethics, and improve their capability in handling foreign-related cases.

Luo Chun, Vice President of the court, also shared his thinking on the topic. He said:  

1.We should follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, raise political consciousness, take on political responsibility, and improve political ability.

2.We should improve our ability to learn and think; we should consult and talk with senior judges, learn from them, and know our shortcomings to improve ourselves.

3.We should enjoy the learning process. We cannot become an expert in a short time; but we need to put in a lot of time and energy and overcome difficulties. Learning is a journey, despite a slow one, to become a better self.

Mo Sisheng and Aike, lecturers from EduSunrise, interacted with the judges during sharing. They also gave lectures and shared their skills and experience in how to enhance English learning ability and improve oral English. They encouraged English learners to create a language environment and continuously improve their ability to communicate and speak in English through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The sharing sparked heated discussion at the salon.

Qiu Jun, Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group and President of the court, spoke at the end of the salon. She pointed out that, enhancing foreign-related rule of law, a concept put forward at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, was not only a necessary step for accomplishing the course of building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, but also an urgent task in pursuing higher-standard opening up and coping with external risks and challenges. Qiu also encouraged young judges to keep pace with the times and learn and speak English, making the language part of their basic skills. In the next stage, Haikou Maritime Court will focus on improving its capability in handling foreign-related cases. It is committed to cultivating a team of foreign-related maritime judges who are politically committed, competent, and familiar with the international rules and foreign-related legal practice. It encourages young judges to stand out boldly, take on responsibilities, and provide strong support to serve and guard the construction and the stable and long-term development of Hainan Free Trade Port.