China’s Marine Economy Surges with Innovation and Green Growth

China’s marine economy surged by 5.9% in 2024, surpassing national economic growth and reaching a total value of over 10 trillion yuan (approx. $1.4 trillion)—accounting for 7.8% of the country’s GDP. The sector has become a key engine of "blue" growth, driven by technological innovation, green transformation, and sustainable development.

At a national policy meeting in July, Chinese leadership emphasized five strategic priorities: innovation, coordination, industrial renewal, human-sea harmony, and win-win cooperation—aiming to align the marine economy with the broader goals of Chinese modernization and climate action.

Innovation is flourishing across sectors. In Qingdao, marine biopharmaceutical research is advancing rapidly, with ocean-derived anti-tumor drug BG136 entering Phase II trials. Meanwhile, offshore wind energy is scaling up, with 80+ turbines operational in the Beibu Gulf, including Guangxi’s first grid-connected wind farm at Fangchenggang.

China is also leading in green shipbuilding, with 80% of Guangzhou Shipyard’s 90+ vessel orders being LNG dual-fuel or green ships, making up 78.5% of global green vessel orders in 2023. Digital monitoring technologies—like drone imaging, AI-powered video systems, and blockchain-based plastic tracking—are enhancing marine ecosystem protection.

Local initiatives such as Zhejiang’s "Blue Circle" marine plastic recycling program, which has recovered over 19,200 tonnes of plastic with support from 60,000+ participants, earned the UN Champions of the Earth award in 2023.

On the global stage, China’s marine conservation and cooperation efforts were praised at the UN Ocean Conference in France, with the World Economic Forum’s Jack Hurd calling the country's work in marine protection and sustainability “fantastic.”