5The global ocean economy is currently undergoing profound transformation. In face of multiple challenges — including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and the overexploitation of resources — the issue of sustainable ocean development has become a central concern for the international community. As a major maritime nation and a key player in the global ocean economy, China has actively responded to the call for sustainable development and accelerating its transition toward a more sustainable blue economy. The 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) have explicitly set forth the goals of building a maritime power and a Beautiful China, elevating the development of a high-quality, green, and inclusive blue economy to the level of national strategy; while the Belt and Road Blue Cooperation Initiative highlights China’s willingness to cooperate internationally for developing an SBE and improving the health and resilience of marine ecosystems. Meanwhile, the international community has been continuously refining SBE concepts and policy frameworks while promoting reforms in global ocean governance through multilateral cooperation. How to absorb and adapt international experience based on China’s national circumstances, strengthen the foundations of an SBE, and achieve coordinated progress in economic, social, and environmental dimensions is a key focus of this report.Through a comprehensive review of the policy evolution towards SBE, the development of ocean accounting systems, and the advancement of blue finance, this report explores the development path and policy recommendations for an SBE in China. We hope that our analysis will provide valuable references and insights for the Chinese government, businesses, and society at large, and contribute to China’s joint efforts with the international community in achieving the goals of an SBE.Foreword Alfredo Giron Head of Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action World Economic ForumPatrick Yeung Assistant Director, Climate Action AVPN

Advancing China's Sustainable Blue Economy 2025