Storyline: Shanghai hosts world's largest maritime exhibition [Voice_over] The global shipping industry has faced rough waters over the past year. [Stand_up] Wu Bin, Reporter: Here at Marintec China — the largest maritime exhibition in Shanghai — I hear this word most often: uncertainty. [Sound_bite] Mie J. Jakobsen, Deputy CEO and Head of Marine, Danish Export Association: "As a maritime nation, we are used to navigating in this geopolitical world, but in recent years, it's becoming increasingly difficult to navigate in this geopolitical world." [Voice_over] Global new ship orders are expected to decline significantly this year after five years of continuous growth, due to complex regulations, rising geopolitical uncertainties, and broader economic pressures. However, China’s shipbuilding sector remains resilient, providing stability to the global industrial chain. In the first three quarters of 2025, China’s three major shipbuilding indicators continued to hold a leading share of the global market. And the achievements go beyond just the number of orders. [Stand_up] Wu Bin, Reporter: "Over the past five years, China’s shipbuilding industry has witnessed tremendous development. From the country’s third aircraft carrier Fujian, to its first deep-sea drilling vessel Meng Xiang, and its first domestically built large cruise ship Adora Magic City, these breakthroughs have given China the confidence in navigating uncertainty in the global shipping sector." [Voice_over] These breakthroughs were recognized on Monday at a conference hosted by the world’s largest shipbuilding group. The corporation also pledged to advance scientific innovation even further over the next five years. [Sound_bite] Xing Wenhua, Chairman, Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers: "Since last year, we have achieved breakthroughs in several mainstream ship types and, for the first time, surpassed the Republic of Korea to become the world’s largest shipbuilding nation — a result of China’s decades of steady innovation and expertise in the industry." [Voice_over] As global uncertainty grows, many leading maritime nations emphasize that cooperation is increasingly important for the stability of the shipping industry. [Sound_bite] Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries: "China is the world's leading shipbuilding nation, and for Norwegian manufacturers and businesses, it's really important to be here in this market and also to develop collaboration, and see how we can work together to find the solutions for green transition." [Sound_bite] Mie J. Jakobsen, Deputy CEO and Head of Marine, Danish Export Association: "I think it's more important than ever. Partnerships are the way forward, that is the path we need to take in general. So, cooperation, collaboration, partnerships, is the key, is fundamental to move forward." [Sound_bite] Xing Wenhua, Chairman, Shanghai Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers: "The international situation is changing, particularly with rising trade protectionism. We have also proposed cooperation, because each country and region has its own strengths. I believe that only through open collaboration can we jointly advance the development of the shipbuilding industry." [Voice_over] Experts say the global shipping industry operates on a roughly 15-year cycle, and the current upswing in demand is nearing its end. Looking ahead, many agree that the best way to weather the cycle amid global uncertainties lies in this year’s exhibition theme: cooperation and innovation. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]