The newly established National Oceanic Commission is a trans-department coordinating body responsible for China's maritime affairs. Compared with the news surrounding the disappearing Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Health, the NOC has not caught much attention. But its role should not be ignored, says an article in the People's Daily. Excerpts:

The NOC will become the central pivot safeguarding China's interests in the sea. It will play bigger roles than its predecessor, the State Oceanic Administration.

Before the NOC was established, China's marine surveillance, fisheries administration, marine anti-smuggling and marine police duties — which are under the administration of different authorities — all played their roles. But there was no efficient coordinating mechanism. The NOC is like a clenched fist, uniting all these powers together to focus on the most strategically important marine issues.

China not only needs to defend its interests in the sea but also actively participate in the scientific exploration of oceanic resources around the world. The NOC will apparently play much bigger roles in the future.

With the establishment of the NOC, we have enough reasons to expect China to publicize its first State oceanic development strategy officially.