Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a China-ASEAN blue economy market is seen as a significant option for economic growth and regional economic integration between China and ASEAN [1][2] Group 1: Conference Overview - The "China-ASEAN Blue Economy New Engine Seminar" was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 25, aiming to promote deep cooperation in the blue economy sector [1] - The seminar was co-hosted by the China (Hainan) Reform and Development Research Institute, the China Foreign Affairs University Institute of Asian Studies, and the Malaysian Maritime Institute, with participation from over 40 representatives from government, academia, and media [1] Group 2: Key Themes Discussed - Discussions focused on topics such as unlocking the value of marine resources, enhancing smart port and green shipping cooperation, and leveraging the Hainan Free Trade Port to create a China-ASEAN marine tourism and cultural economy [1] - The need for a common market in blue economy sectors, including marine tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, and marine biological resources, was emphasized [2] Group 3: Investment and Cooperation - Significant and reasonable investment in sustainable and high-value marine sectors is required to implement the China-ASEAN blue economy blueprint [2] - The importance of policy and technological innovation, as well as inclusive and resilient governance and capacity building, was highlighted as essential for the partnership [2]

Core Viewpoint - The acceleration of maritime economic connectivity and cooperation between China and ASEAN is expected to significantly impact sustainable economic development and promote a new regional maritime cooperation framework led by collaboration [1][2]. Group 1: Blue Economy as a Common Market - The construction of a China-ASEAN blue economy common market is seen as a "blue engine" for economic growth and regional economic integration [2][3]. - Currently, approximately 30% of ASEAN countries' GDP comes from the maritime economy, while China's maritime economy contributes about 8% to its GDP. By 2024, China's marine production value is projected to exceed 10 trillion yuan, growing by 5.9% year-on-year [4]. - Investment of $2 trillion to $3.7 trillion in blue economy sectors from 2020 to 2050 could yield net returns of $8.2 trillion to $22.8 trillion, with an investment return rate of 450% to 615% [4]. Group 2: Economic and Trade Cooperation - Since the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 1.0 in 2010, trade cooperation has deepened, with China maintaining its position as ASEAN's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years [5]. - In 2023, the trade volume between China and ASEAN increased 16.8 times over 20 years, but cooperation in the maritime sector remains fragmented [5]. - The share of marine product trade in total bilateral trade is only 0.6%, indicating significant potential for growth [5]. Group 3: Industry Transformation - Both China and ASEAN face the challenge of industrial transformation, particularly in fisheries, where they account for 80% of global aquaculture and 60% of global fish catch [6]. - The demand for renewable energy in the ASEAN region is expected to increase by 3 to 4 times by 2050, with an annual growth rate of about 6% in renewable power installations from 2021 to 2023 [6]. Group 4: Development of Marine Tourism - Developing maritime tourism cooperation is a significant step to meet market demand and promote connectivity in marine industries [6]. - The global cruise tourism market is expected to recover to a growth rate of about 5% by 2028, with China's cruise tourism market projected to reach 14 million passengers by 2030 [6]. Group 5: Marine Fisheries and Renewable Energy Markets - ASEAN is a major producer and exporter of marine products, with 25% of its total exports going to China in 2024 [8]. - China has invested significantly in renewable energy projects in ASEAN, accounting for about 60% of foreign public investment in the region from 2000 to 2020 [10]. Group 6: Infrastructure and Governance - The development of maritime infrastructure is crucial, as ASEAN countries' port infrastructure is lagging behind, with only 2 out of the top 20 global ports located in the region [15]. - The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is seen as a foundational framework for integrating blue economy rules and standards [16]. - Establishing a cooperative governance framework for ecological resource protection is essential for sustainable development in the South China Sea [18].