Writing in the People's Daily (September 11) Zhao Yibing of the School of International Law, East China University of Political Science and Law, said it is time for China to build maritime power. He said "peace and tranquility of the ocean is related to the safety and interests of all countries in the world, and needs to be jointly maintained by the international community". Saying this is necessary to 'realise the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation', and quoted 'General Secretary Xi Jinping as pointing out: "In the 21st century, mankind has entered a period of large-scale development and utilization of the ocean. The ocean plays a more important role in the country’s economic development pattern and opening to the outside world, and its position in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is more prominent. ...  its strategic position in international political, economic, military, and technological competition has also risen significantly." He said the “Belt and Road” provides an important opportunity for the development of the marine economy.