Chinese leader Xi Jinping has published a signed article in the Communist Party journal Qiushi calling for China to become a strong maritime power through the high-quality development of its ocean economy. According to Xinhua, the article — titled “Promoting High-Quality Development of the Marine Economy” — is scheduled for official publication tomorrow.
Xi argued that advancing “Chinese-style modernization” requires the “efficient development and utilization of the ocean,” and that China must forge its own path toward maritime strength with distinctly Chinese characteristics. He emphasized the importance of “cooperative, win-win” engagement with global ocean governance, peaceful joint use of marine energy resources, and a firm defense of China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
The article lays out six priority areas for concrete action:
- First, Xi called for stronger top-level policy planning, including drafting a 15th Five-Year Plan for the marine economy and encouraging private capital investment in the sector.
- Second, he stressed the need to boost independent innovation in marine science and technology, including cultivating leading maritime tech enterprises.
- Third, Xi urged the expansion and strengthening of marine industries, spanning offshore wind power, modern deep-sea fishing, marine biopharmaceuticals, ocean-themed tourism, shipbuilding, digital maritime infrastructure, and the shipping industry.
- Fourth, he called for integrated planning of major bays and the green and smart transformation of key ports.
- Fifth, the article emphasized protecting the marine ecological environment, including risk prevention, comprehensive governance of key sea areas, and exploring carbon sink accounting in ocean regions.
- Sixth, Xi called for deeper participation in global maritime governance, including cooperation in ocean research, disaster reduction, and the blue economy — and specifically advancing the construction of a “Belt and Road” International Port Alliance.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), March 15, 2026
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202603150119.aspx