The 3rd Marine Spatial Planning Cooperation Workshop for Maritime Silk Road Partner Countries and the Conference of the Marine Spatial Planning Partnership, hosted by the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), is underway in Beijing. Over 3,300 participants, including representatives from more than 60 Belt and Road Initiative countries, UN organisations, Chinese ministries, and think tanks, are convening to tackle ocean governance and blue economy development.
This isn’t just another maritime conference. It’s a call to action. Participants are pushing for tangible outcomes—enhanced technical support, strengthened cooperation, and the rapid implementation of “small and beautiful” marine projects. The goal? To boost ocean governance capabilities and deliver tangible benefits to partner countries.
China, as a major coastal nation, is stepping up its role. Lü Bin, President of the CODF, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to a shared future for humanity through the Blue Partnership Action and Marine International Exchange and Dialogue Action. The CODF is fostering trust with international and regional partners through bilateral and multilateral projects, exchanges, and talent development. It’s also mobilising societal forces for sustainable marine resource use, ecological protection, technological innovation, and public education.
The workshop is a platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening cooperation, contributing to marine infrastructure development, supporting the blue economy, and promoting responsible investment in shipping and ports. Fadhl Ali Hussien Al-Shairi, Assistant Secretary General of the Council of Ministry for the Sector of Plans and Programs of Yemen, highlighted the importance of this platform for Maritime Silk Road countries.
But the challenges are real. Tang Yong from the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf pointed out that while advanced deep-sea technology provides high-resolution data for delineation, developing nations face significant hurdles. China is supporting capacity-building through joint cruises, establishing joint laboratories and marine sciences centers, and hosting training to bolster African blue economies.
Athill Dean Jonas, Blue Economy Ambassador of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, praised China’s cooperation in marine spatial planning and utilisation, describing it as a “shining example of collaboration.” The forthcoming China-Caribbean marine cooperation center will serve as a hub for technology and training to support regional marine planning.
Wu Shicun, Chairman of the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, stressed that translating the potential of the ocean into effective governance tools is an urgent responsibility. China’s advancements in marine ecological zones, offshore wind, eco-aquaculture, and integrated marine ranching-wind farm models offer a global reference.
The CODF’s initiatives in maritime development and cooperation include the Maritime Silk Road Blue Economy Action, Coastal Sustainable Development Capacity Action, and the UN Ocean Decade Action. It has signed agreements with 21 countries and four international organisations, completed marine spatial planning for several countries, conducted numerous training sessions, completed over 100 studies, and hosted investment activities.
At the conference, the CODF announced eight initiatives to support the Marine Spatial Planning Partnership and five public products, including donating “Jingwei” buoys to Antigua and Barbuda, Malaysia, Fiji, and Yemen.
This workshop and conference are more than just talks. They’re about action—pooling knowledge, technology, and resources to promote marine spatial planning globally. It’s a testament to the spirit of partnership and the urgent need for effective ocean governance.