Advancing China's Sustainable Blue Economy 2025

13marine economic sectors to jointly promote the high-quality development of the marine economy and the construction of ecological civilization. In its policy discourse, the MNR primarily uses the term “blue economy” rather than “sustainable blue economy.” This choice results from a combination of factors, including policy continuity, departmental functional focus, adaptation to the international discourse system, and the needs of local practices. This choice does not imply a neglect of sustainability but rather reflects an approach of “conceptual integration” and “action embedding,” where ecological goals are translated into specific policy tools. The following provides a multi-dimensional analysis of this phenomenon: 1) Policy terminology continuity and inclusiveness of top-level design At the 2012 Rio+20 Summit, the concept of the blue economy was introduced, linking the marine environment with economic development, and its connotation already included the goal of “sustainability.” In China’s 13th FYP, the blue economy was officially proposed under the framework of “expanding blue economic space,” defined as an integrated framework encompassing high-quality development of the marine economy, technological innovation and ecological protection. The long-term adoption and consistent application of this term have tied it closely to China’s strategic goal of becoming a “maritime power,” giving it significant continuity. Moreover, the blue economy reflects the inclusiveness of top-level design. In the context of Chinese policy, the term “blue economy” is endowed with broad connotations, encompassing both the upgrading of traditional industries (such as fisheries and shipping) and the development of emerging sectors (such as marine renewable energy and biopharmaceuticals), while also emphasizing ecological protection and the sustainable use of resources. 2) Practice-oriented approach and departmental functional focus As the core authority responsible for marine resource development and management, the MNR places greater emphasis on economic planning and industrial layout. For instance, policies led by the ministry, such as the construction of “blue economic corridors” and the development of a “new marine industry system,” are directly aimed at economic growth, while ecological protection is often achieved through inter-ministerial collaboration (e.g. jointly advancing the “returning aquaculture to the sea” project with the MEE). The use of the term “blue economy” allows for a sharper focus on the functional scope of the MNR, avoiding the policy fragmentation that could result from overly broad concepts. Although China’s policy documents do not explicitly include the “sustainable” prefix, the concept of sustainability is integrated into practice through specific measures. Examples include promoting “high-quality development of the marine economy,” “blue finance,” “blue carbon sinks,” and the “realization of ecological product value.” 3) Adaptation to the international cooperation discourse system Under the United Nations framework, the term “sustainable blue economy” is often tied to the environmental standards, which may impose institutional pressures on developing countries like China, causing reluctance in adopting this Chunyip Wong/iStock.com