First Documentary Using Big Data to Reveal South China Sea Shipping: The Pulse of the South China Sea Released

On October 24, China Media Group’s Voice of the South China Sea released the documentary The Pulse of the South China Sea. Based on the same day’s Report on Shipping Safety and Development in the South China Sea (2025), the film presents a comprehensive picture of South China Sea shipping: one of the world’s busiest and most efficient maritime routes.

The Report integrates data from leading global providers, AIS vessel tracks, port information, and ship specifications, showing that the South China Sea handles 40% of global vessel calls and 30% of container trade, with economic value per unit of waterway far exceeding other seas. Acting as a “super suture” for trade and economy, it links 67 countries across six continents. China’s provision of maritime security public goods ensures the safe and efficient operation of this vital route.
The Chinese-English documentary The Pulse of the South China Sea features interviews with report authors and experts on Southeast Asian studies, revealing the shipping system’s true operations with objective data and vivid imagery, showcasing how this “golden waterway” supports global trade and economic stability with remarkable efficiency and safety.
Today, the availability of affordable goods worldwide depends on the giant vessels traversing these seas. The South China Sea’s global significance remains underappreciated, and safeguarding its prosperity is key to protecting the shared development of all coastal nations.