China and ASEAN to Strengthen Blue Economy Cooperation

China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are seeking to deepen cooperation in the blue economy sector to establish an integrated common market and improve regional resilience against external shocks. This objective was the focus of the China-ASEAN Blue Economy Cooperation Dialogue held on May 10, 2026, in Haikou, the capital of Hainan province.

Participants at the forum stated that the development of a shared blue economy market would provide the region with a stronger capacity to sustain stable growth and weather economic disruptions. The dialogue occurred amid a global landscape characterized by rising geopolitical uncertainties, mounting energy and supply chain risks, and growing protectionism.

Hainan as a Strategic Hub

The Hainan Free Trade Port is expected to serve as a strategic hub for the expansion of blue economy cooperation between China and ASEAN. Due to its policy advantages and geographical location, the province is positioned as a critical gateway for China’s opening-up to the ASEAN region.

Hainan is making every effort to promote high-quality marine development and play an active role in China-ASEAN cooperation. Wang Bin, member of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and head of the provincial Party committee’s Publicity Department

The strategic task of "Creating a New Maritime Hainan" was highlighted as a central component of the efforts to forge a shared market for the blue economy.

Priority Areas of Cooperation

Officials and experts at the dialogue identified several key sectors where China and ASEAN can explore deeper cooperation to inject momentum into regional growth. These priority areas include:

• Marine energy
• Port logistics and shipping
• Marine tourism
• Coastal industries

The cooperation is framed around the concept of the blue economy. According to the World Bank, this is defined as the "sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems".

Diplomatic and Economic Frameworks

The dialogue emphasized the urgency of enhancing blue economy cooperation under the framework of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Participants noted that China and ASEAN have developed a closely interconnected relationship where their interests are deeply intertwined.

The key to breaking through current challenges lies in continuing to cultivate shared interests, with the blue economy serving as one of the largest areas of common interest. Gao Fei, president of China Foreign Affairs University

Gao Fei stated that focusing on these shared interests is essential for Asian countries to overcome differences, enhance mutual trust, and achieve common development in a changing global environment.

Forum Participation and Organization

The event, titled "China-ASEAN Blue Economy Cooperation Dialogue: Forging a Strategic Hub for the Big and Shared China-ASEAN Blue Economy Market— The Strategic Task of 'Creating a New Maritime Hainan'", brought together a diverse group of international stakeholders.

Attendees included officials, scholars, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations. Representatives from 14 countries participated in the forum, including delegates from South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The dialogue was co-hosted by three primary organizations: the China Foreign Affairs University, the China Oceanic Development Foundation, and the Hainan Institute for Free Trade Port Studies.