How Xi Jinping Charts the Chinese Mainland’s Maritime Rise

Stretching over 32,000 kilometers, the Chinese mainland’s coastline traces centuries of seafaring traditions—and today anchors a bold vision for the country’s future. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly named building a strong maritime nation as a major strategic task in his drive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Since 2013, Xi has placed the marine economy at the heart of economic planning. At a study session with the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, he stressed the need to tap ocean resources and transform the marine sector into a new engine of growth.

In a 2019 letter to the China Marine Economy Expo, Xi urged faster marine sci-tech innovation, stronger development capacity, and the rise of high-value marine industries. This guidance has spurred projects from port expansions to offshore infrastructure and cutting-edge fleets of polar icebreakers, research vessels, and deep-sea submersibles.

Landmarks like the Fendouzhe submersible—probing trench ecosystems—and the Meng Xiang drilling vessel—capable of 11 kilometers of ocean floor drilling—have earned Xi’s praise and highlighted steady gains in marine science and technology.

Data show tangible momentum. In 2024, the marine economy topped 10 trillion yuan—up from 5 trillion in 2012—while the China Marine Economy Development Index climbed to 125.2, with an optimization sub-index at 131. Emerging marine industries grew 7.2 percent, and marine firms secured 11.4 billion yuan in IPOs, representing 17 percent of total domestic IPO funds.

Beyond growth, Xi’s vision embraces a maritime community with a shared future. In 2019, he called on nations to safeguard ocean peace and described the seas as ties that bind humanity. A 2023 white paper further outlined measures for marine ecological protection, legal supervision, and sustainable development.

As these efforts continue, the Chinese mainland charts a new course across the blue horizon—blending scientific breakthroughs, economic expansion, and environmental care to anchor Xi’s dream of a strong maritime nation.

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How Xi Jinping charts China's path to becoming strong maritime country

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