French book on maritime development released in China

A Chinese version of The New Frontier of Oceans, a French book detailing maritime boundaries and resources, was launched on Monday at the Social Sciences Academic Press in Beijing.

The book, considered one of the most authoritative in its field, can assist in maritime policy-making.

Edited by the French Development Agency, the book collates the work of more than 400 scientists, professors and experts from more than 40 countries.

In November 2012, the 18th Party Congress called for China to become a "maritime power", vowing to increase efforts to safeguard its marine rights and interests, develop a marine economy and better protect oceanic ecology.

"As a developed country, France has a rich history in maritime development. I think these experiences will be useful to China when drawing out our own maritime development strategy," said Yang Qun, chief-editor of SSAP Press.