Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission and the State Oceanic Administration jointly released the "Concept for Maritime Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative" (referred to as the "Concept" below). As one of the achievements of the International Cooperation Summit Forum on the Belt and Road Initiative, this marks the first maritime cooperation proposal issued by the Chinese government since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In 2015, the Chinese government released the "Vision and Action for Promoting the Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road," proposing a framework for strengthening maritime cooperation and constructing the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Over the years, China has enhanced strategic alignment with countries along the route, actively built a maritime cooperation platform, implemented a series of major projects, and achieved fruitful results in maritime cooperation.
For the first time, the "Concept" systematically outlines the Chinese government's approach and blueprint for promoting maritime cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative: one vision, one mainline, three channels, and five routes. This involves an inclusive, win-win, peaceful, innovative, and sustainable blue partnership, with the development of the blue economy as the mainline. The three major blue economic channels are the China-Indian Ocean-Africa-Mediterranean route, the China-Oceania-South Pacific route, and the China-Arctic-Europe route.
Embarking on the path of green development: Strengthening international cooperation in marine ecological protection and restoration, protection of endangered marine species, pollution prevention, and climate change responses in the marine sector.
Creating prosperity by the sea: Working with countries along the route to develop the blue economy, promote maritime connectivity, and enhance cooperation in marine industry, port construction and operation, marine resource development, and maritime finance.
Building a route to security: Strengthening cooperation in maritime public services, navigation safety, joint search and rescue, disaster prevention, and maritime law enforcement.
Fostering a road of smart innovation: Strengthening cooperation in marine technology and smart oceans, jointly creating marine technology cooperation parks and research centers.
Pursuing a path of cooperative governance: Strengthening strategic dialogue and consultation with countries along the route, establishing a high-level dialogue mechanism and blue economic cooperation mechanism.
The State Oceanic Administration will focus on promoting the "Concept" and refining implementation plans, advancing the Blue Partnership Mechanism and capacity building, providing more marine public service products, formulating specific policy measures for coastal regions, and providing comprehensive financial support for domestic marine-related enterprises participating in international marine cooperation through institutions such as the China Export-Import Bank and the Bank of China.
