During the 2024 Marine Cooperation and Development Forum, held from October 24 to 25 in Qingdao, Shandong, Sun Shuxian, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Director of the National Oceanic Administration, stated, “Different countries and regions have various priorities and paths in promoting international cooperation in the marine economy, but the core goals remain the same: to maintain ocean health, foster marine prosperity, and enhance human well-being.”
The forum drew 667 participants from 41 countries and regions, who engaged in discussions centered on the theme “From Blue to Future: Building a Healthy and Prosperous Ocean for a Sustainable Future.” The conversations explored sustainable marine development and high-level international cooperation, effectively broadening China’s blue economy network.
Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Hou Yanqi, highlighted the strong trade relationship between China and ASEAN, noting that over half of their trade is conducted via maritime routes. In her online address at the forum, she expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to strengthen cooperation in ecological and environmental areas between China and ASEAN.
Hou Yanqi participated in the East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Dialogue, which has evolved from the original Qingdao Forum established in 2016. Over the past eight years, the forum has expanded its participant base from China, Japan, South Korea, and the 10 ASEAN nations to include representatives from five continents, with a reported intention for transactions exceeding 10 billion yuan achieved through associated exhibitions.
Now integrated into the 2024 Marine Cooperation and Development Forum, the East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform has attracted even more participants for dialogue.
Norwegian Minister of Energy Terje Aasland articulated during his online address that “China and Norway share common interests in the development of the blue economy.” He emphasized that the ocean is key to addressing future challenges and seizing development opportunities, with the blue economy at its core. He noted that global cooperation in the marine sector is essential for the successful advancement of the blue economy, whether in energy, emissions reduction, or technology.
Iceland’s Ambassador to China, Eggert Jónsson, reiterated that China is a significant contributor to sustainable marine development, presenting substantial opportunities for the growth of the blue economy. He anticipated continued growth in marine-related trade between the two nations and deepening cooperation in marine scientific research.
As international marine cooperation expands, China is deepening its involvement in global marine governance.
At this forum, the “Ocean Decade” International Cooperation Center unveiled China’s new approach for the “Ocean Decade.” This plan focuses on optimizing marine governance mechanisms and safeguarding future ecological habitats across four key areas, contributing “Chinese wisdom” to the United Nations’ significant marine initiative, “The Ocean Science for Sustainable Development Decade (2021-2030).”
The “Ocean Decade” International Cooperation Center, based in Qingdao, aims to establish global blue partnerships and serves as a key platform for China to provide scientific solutions for global marine environmental governance. During the forum, Julian Barbier, head of the Marine Policy and Regional Coordination team at the UN’s Ocean Commission, announced via video that the “Ocean Decade” International Cooperation Center has been approved as an official implementation partner of the “Ocean Decade,” stating, “China has always been a pioneer and leader in supporting the Ocean Decade.”
China is partnering with more entities to engage in global marine governance and promote sustainable marine development. Currently, China has signed cooperation agreements in the marine sector with over 50 countries and international organizations, establishing regular marine cooperation mechanisms with the EU and Africa.
Greek Ambassador to China, Evgenios Kalpyris, remarked, “The harmonious development of the blue economy and environmental protection is like two sides of the same coin, mutually reinforcing each other.” He noted that Sino-Greek cooperation in marine matters would not only benefit both nations but also have a positive impact on the global community.
