Chinese ambessador to Maldives, Wang Lixin has called on friends in the Maldives to explore China’s vision for building a stronger and greener ocean economy, highlighting the shared maritime interests between the two countries in the Indian Ocean.
In a message shared publicly, the ambassador invited Maldivians to follow an article by Xi Jinping published in the latest issue of Qiushi Journal, which outlines China’s approach to promoting high-quality development of the marine economy.
The ambassador noted that China and the Maldives, as maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean, share a deep interest in sustainable oceans and blue economy cooperation. He encouraged Maldivians to explore the ideas presented in the article as a perspective for building a stronger and greener ocean future together.
China’s vision for marine economy development
In the article, Xi emphasises that efficient use of marine resources and the advancement of marine industries are essential to China’s modernization drive. The piece highlights China’s efforts to promote high-quality development of the marine economy through innovation, environmental protection and international cooperation.
The article outlines six key areas of focus:
- Strengthening top-level policy design and support for marine development
- Advancing innovation and self-reliance in marine science and technology
- Developing competitive and scaled-up marine industries
- Improving planning and development of major bays and coastal regions
- Enhancing marine ecological and environmental protection
- Participating actively in global ocean governance
Xi also stresses the importance of balancing economic development with the protection of marine ecosystems, while promoting the peaceful use of ocean resources.
Growth of China’s marine economy
According to data released by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the country’s marine economy continued to grow in 2025. China’s gross ocean product reached nearly 11.02 trillion yuan (about USD 1.6 trillion), marking a 5.5 percent increase year-on-year and accounting for about 7.9 percent of the national GDP.
The sector includes industries such as marine renewable energy, shipping, fisheries, offshore engineering, marine tourism and ocean technology.
Opportunities for Maldives–China cooperation
The Maldives has been promoting the development of its blue economy, focusing on sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, renewable ocean energy and eco-friendly tourism.
Analysts note that cooperation with China in marine science, climate-resilient ocean management and maritime infrastructure could support the Maldives’ efforts to strengthen its ocean-based economy while protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
The ambassador’s message signals China’s interest in expanding dialogue and collaboration with the Maldives on sustainable ocean governance and marine industry development, reflecting the growing importance of the blue economy in the Indian Ocean region. (Source: X and en.qstheory.cn)
