Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the launch of the "Marine Solutions Toolkit for Sustainable Coastal City Development," aimed at addressing climate change impacts on coastal cities and promoting sustainable development through scientific collaboration and innovation [1][2][3] Group 1: Toolkit Development and Features - The toolkit consists of six core modules and 24 sub-modules, covering critical areas such as marine and climate warning, marine navigation safety, nearshore ecological health, integrated coastal management, blue economy support, and marine literacy [3] - It integrates marine big data, advanced numerical models, and artificial intelligence technologies to provide visualized products and services for end-users and decision-makers in coastal cities [3] Group 2: Global Collaboration and Participation - The toolkit was developed through collaboration among multiple countries and research institutions, emphasizing a shared design, development, and benefit approach, and is made available to global users for free [2] - Chinese research teams have been deeply involved in the "Ocean Decade" initiative, contributing to strategic planning and platform construction, and leading international scientific programs to enhance global marine governance capabilities [2][3] Group 3: Implications for Sustainable Development - The launch of the toolkit reflects China's commitment to global marine governance and the construction of a marine community with a shared future, aiming to provide technological support for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the establishment of a strong marine nation [3] - The toolkit is expected to facilitate the rapid transfer of scientific knowledge to the public and decision-makers, offering cost-effective solutions for various marine management activities [2]

Core Insights - The Mediterranean region is facing a significant environmental crisis, highlighted by the discovery of 167 pieces of waste, primarily plastic, in the Calypso Deep, indicating a broader global ocean health crisis [1] - The third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, gathered over 15,000 representatives from more than 170 countries, resulting in the release of the "Nice Ocean Action Plan" aimed at urgent global cooperation for ocean protection [1][4] Ocean Health Status - The "Starfish Barometer," the first annual global ocean health assessment report, warns of alarming changes: global sea levels have risen approximately 23 centimeters since 1901, with projections for 2024 to reach new highs [2] - Ocean heat content is at its highest since 1960, with sea surface temperatures rising by 0.25 degrees Celsius, exacerbating extreme weather and accelerating ocean acidification [2] - Human activities are linked to these changes, with global fossil fuel CO2 emissions projected to reach 3.74 billion tons in 2024, and over one-third of fishery resources are overfished, increasing by about 1% annually [2] Conference Outcomes - The "Nice Ocean Action Plan" consists of a political declaration and voluntary commitments from countries, calling for specific measures to protect oceans, including expanding marine protected areas and addressing marine pollution [6] - The conference also advanced the process of protecting marine biodiversity, with 19 countries approving a UN agreement aimed at enhancing the conservation of marine biodiversity in international waters [6] China's Participation - China's extensive participation in the conference was recognized, showcasing a multi-sectoral approach to global ocean governance, including sustainable fishing practices and the development of marine ranching [8] - The introduction of the COAST toolkit, developed by Chinese research institutions, aims to provide systematic solutions for coastal cities facing climate change challenges, emphasizing data sharing and international collaboration [9][10] Global Research Initiatives - Several global ocean research initiatives were launched, including the "Neptune Mission" for deep-sea exploration and the establishment of the "Space4Ocean Alliance" to integrate space technology with ocean monitoring [9] - Chinese research institutions played a significant role in these initiatives, contributing to global data sharing and capacity building in ocean governance [9]

Core Viewpoint - The importance of ocean security and governance is emphasized as a shared responsibility among nations, promoting global peace and development [2][3]. Group 1: Ocean Community and Governance - The concept of a maritime community of shared destiny is highlighted, stressing that humanity is interconnected through the oceans rather than isolated [2]. - The need to maintain a fair and just maritime order based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is underscored, advocating for adherence to international law and the avoidance of selective application [2][3]. Group 2: Maritime Security and Cooperation - The rise of maritime crimes such as piracy, drug trafficking, and human trafficking is acknowledged, calling for international cooperation to combat these issues [3]. - Emphasis is placed on resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, rather than confrontation, to ensure maritime stability [3]. Group 3: Global Ocean Governance - The relationship between sustainable development and a healthy ocean environment is stressed, with a call for practical cooperation to harness ocean potential for socio-economic development [3]. - China's commitment to being a builder of global ocean governance and a promoter of sustainable development is reiterated [3]. Group 4: Response to External Criticism - China's opposition to the U.S. involvement in South China Sea issues is stated, asserting that the U.S. poses the greatest threat to regional stability [4]. - The illegitimacy of the South China Sea arbitration ruling is rejected, with a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue with relevant parties [4]. Group 5: Call for Constructive Engagement - A call for the U.S. to adhere to its commitments regarding the One China policy is made, contrasting U.S. rhetoric with the cooperative spirit of other nations at the meeting [5].

Core Viewpoint - The 30th anniversary of the China-Korea Marine Science Cooperation Center marks a significant milestone in marine scientific collaboration between China and South Korea, highlighting past achievements and future directions for sustainable marine governance and development [6][21]. Group 1: Historical Context and Achievements - The China-Korea Marine Science Cooperation Center was established on May 12, 1995, symbolizing a historic step in marine scientific collaboration between the two countries [8]. - Over the years, the center has facilitated numerous research projects, including the Yellow Sea circulation dynamics and sediment dynamics studies, laying a solid foundation for marine scientific exchanges [8][9]. - The center has evolved its functions, focusing on international cooperation, marine policy dissemination, and promoting joint research projects, with the first Yellow Sea Marine Forum held in 2009 [9][10]. Group 2: Recent Developments and Future Plans - The center released a medium- to long-term development plan (2025-2034) during the 30th-anniversary seminar, outlining four major goals and twelve key tasks aimed at enhancing its role as a leading marine science cooperation platform in East Asia [10][21]. - A memorandum of understanding was signed between the First Institute of Oceanography and the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, further solidifying collaborative efforts [10]. Group 3: Key Research Areas and Collaborative Efforts - Experts discussed various critical issues at the sixth Yellow Sea Marine Forum, including climate change impacts on the Yellow Sea ecosystem and the need for enhanced monitoring and predictive capabilities [12][13]. - Research on the distribution changes of the small yellow croaker, a shared fishery resource, was presented, emphasizing the importance of collaborative management strategies in response to climate change [15]. - The forum also addressed the challenges of microplastic pollution in marine environments, with ongoing efforts to establish monitoring systems and share data for global governance [18]. Group 4: Regional and Global Implications - The close cooperation between China and South Korea in marine science serves as a model for marine governance and sustainable development in the East Asian region, promoting collaborative efforts among neighboring countries [21][22]. - The center's contributions to international marine affairs and its role in global marine governance reflect a commitment to addressing global marine challenges through shared knowledge and strategies [21][22].