Advancing China's Sustainable Blue Economy 2025

4We congratulate the publication of this report contributing to the Special Policy Study (SPS) for The China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). The CCICED has long served as a vital platform for advancing sustainable development in China through high-level policy dialogue and international cooperation. Since its establishment in 1992, the CCICED has brought together Chinese and global experts to address pressing environmental challenges, fostering innovative solutions for green growth, climate resilience, and ecological conservation. As China accelerates its transition toward a sustainable future, the ocean has emerged as a critical frontier for balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. Under CCICED’s Phase VII strategic focus on A Sustainable Blue Economy Towards Carbon Neutrality, the SPS on ocean governance has evolved from earlier themes—such as ecosystem- based management and marine pollution—to a comprehensive exploration of the sustainable blue economy (SBE)’s role in achieving climate and sustainability goals. Central to this effort is this study which discussed SBE principles, and examined how ocean accounting and blue finance can serve as foundational drivers for China’s sustainable blue transition. This report, set for release at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, provides important insights for aligning China’s ocean-based economic development with its carbon neutrality ambitions while ensuring marine ecosystem health.Key to this transformation is the development of robust ocean accounting frameworks and innovative blue finance mechanisms. The report highlights need to refine China’s ocean accounting systems by integrating environmental-economic indicators, enabling better measurement of ocean wealth and sustainability performance. Simultaneously, it explores how blue finance tools and standards— spanning bonds, credits, and investment taxonomies—can mobilize capital toward sustainable blue economic activities while preventing “blue-washing.” By bridging policy, science, and finance, these tools can unlock the ocean economy’s full potential as an engine for green growth. As China advances its “Ecological Civilization” vision, this report offers high-level recommendations to strengthen SBE narrative and strategic planning, further develop the ocean accounting system, incentivize responsible investment, and foster international collaboration. We hope these insights will guide policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders in building an inclusive, climate-resilient economy—one that safeguards marine ecosystems while driving sustainable prosperity for generations to come.Foreword Minhan Dai Chair Professor, Xiamen University & Council Member, CCICEDJan-Gunnar Winther Specialist Director, The Norwegian Polar Institute & Council Member, CCICED