Stretching over 32,000 kilometers, the Chinese mainland’s coastline is not just a testament to its rich maritime heritage but also the backbone of its oceanic aspirations. President Xi Jinping envisions transforming China into a strong maritime country, a “major strategic task for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
A Vision Anchored in Growth
Since taking office, Xi Jinping has placed the maritime endeavor at the forefront of his agenda. In 2013, he emphasized to the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee that a robust marine economy is essential for building a strong maritime nation. He called for maximizing marine resources and developing the marine economy as a new driver of growth.
In a 2019 letter to the China Marine Economy Expo, Xi urged for accelerated marine technological innovation and the strengthening of emerging marine industries of strategic importance. From modernizing the marine industry system to enhancing port and shipping infrastructure, Xi has been steering the nation’s economic development from land to sea.
Innovating Beneath the Waves
Central to Xi’s focus are groundbreaking maritime endeavors like polar icebreakers, oceanographic research vessels, and deep-sea submersibles. When the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver) reached new depths and uncovered rich ecosystems, Xi sent congratulatory messages, highlighting China’s significant steps in advancing marine science and technology.
Riding the Wave of the Blue Economy
Xi’s vision is taking shape as China’s maritime economy accelerates toward prosperity. In 2024, the marine economy surpassed 10 trillion yuan (about $1.4 trillion), nearly doubling from 5 trillion yuan in 2012. The China Marine Economy Development Index rose to 125.2, demonstrating robust growth across the sector.
Emerging marine industries saw an output value surge of 7.2%, while marine enterprises secured substantial funding, reflecting strong capital market confidence in the blue economy.
A Shared Future Across Oceans
President Xi believes that oceans connect us into “a community with a shared future, where people of all countries share weal and woe.” In 2019, during a meeting with foreign naval delegations, he proposed building a maritime community with a shared future, emphasizing that maritime peace and tranquility are vital for all nations.
China has taken concrete actions to protect the marine ecological environment and promote sustainable development. A white paper released last year outlined measures for conservation, strict supervision, and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the ocean.
Navigating Towards Rejuvenation
As China embarks on this new journey, the nation is experiencing a significant historical opportunity for the development of its maritime undertakings. Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, China is not only expanding its maritime capabilities but also contributing to a shared global maritime future.
