In a strategic move to strengthen China-Africa relations, the Chinese government has convened a high-level seminar on Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Economy Development for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries in the coastal city of Xiamen, Fujian Province.
The capacity-building program, organized by the Fujian Institute of Oceanography, brought together participants from different African countries.
The seminar aims to promote sustainable development by leveraging marine resources for ecological preservation, economic prosperity, and social advancement. It places strong emphasis on the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems as critical components of economic growth.
Kicking off the seminar, participants were introduced to China’s political and economic structure, underpinned by the “One China Policy,” a cornerstone of its international engagements and strategic partnerships.
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Professor Shi Tubing, Deputy Dean of the South China Sea Institute at Xiamen University, explained China’s economic model as a socialist market economy characterized by public ownership and state-led enterprise.
“All land belongs to the country, and individuals are only granted usage rights for defined periods—such as 70 years for residential properties. This differs fundamentally from private land ownership,” he noted.
A major highlight of the seminar was the role of integrated coastal management (ICM) in advancing the marine economy. Professor Zhou Lumin of Xiamen University emphasized that balancing economic activity with environmental sustainability is essential for long-term development.
“Since 1994, Xiamen has implemented the ICM framework to improve coastal governance in collaboration with the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA),” he said.
Professor Lumin also revealed ongoing efforts to establish the China-ASEAN Marine Cooperation Center in Xiamen.
“This center will promote coordinated land-sea development, foster port-industrial integration, and harness coastal tourism through natural and cultural resources,” he added.
He further stressed the importance of public participation in marine environmental management.
“In recent years, Xiamen has encouraged citizens to get involved in environmental impact assessments, lawmaking, and other marine-related activities. This participatory approach has helped deepen public engagement in marine affairs,” he said.
Participants from across Africa praised the seminar for its practical relevance and insights.
Mr. Ope Owotumin, from Nigeria commended China’s experience-sharing approach:
“China has walked the talk. What we are learning here is not abstract—it’s backed by practical examples that we can adapt to our local contexts.”
Mr. Hans Naga from Gambia highlighted structural challenges in Africa:
“Funding remains a major hurdle. Additionally, the relationship between government and the private sector in many African countries needs to be strengthened to mirror China’s coordinated model.”
Ms. Linity Gitonga from Kenya emphasized the role of leadership:
“We have sound policies in Africa, but the gap is always in implementation. The key takeaway for me is the necessity of strong political will—like in Xiamen, where different layers of administration are involved in ICM implementation.”
The seminar underscores a growing consensus among stakeholders that marine environmental protection and economic development are not mutually exclusive—but can, in fact, reinforce one another for the shared benefit of BRI nations.
As China continues to expand its influence in global development, initiatives like these point to a future where knowledge-sharing and capacity-building become central pillars of international cooperation—especially in tackling climate resilience and sustainable ocean governance.