Wave of discontent rocks shipping industry

Although the country's merchant fleet needs more sailors, low wages and social status, poor conditions and long absences from friends and family are deterring recruits, as Jiang Chenglong reports.

The Belt and Road Initiative, China's drive to revive ancient trading routes to carry goods across regions ranging from Europe to Africa, will be heavily reliant on efficient transportation systems via the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

As such, the nation's oceangoing merchant fleet is becoming increasingly important, but low wages, poor onboard conditions and long absences from home mean young people are shying away from a life at sea.