China, ASEAN explore blue development, boost marine industry with digital tools

China and ASEAN nations are exploring new paths for blue development, fostering emerging marine industries like biomedicine, new energy and equipment manufacturing, with digital and intelligent technologies driving the development of a modern marine industry system.

This came to light at a forum on China-ASEAN blue economy cooperation held in Nanning on Sept 9.

Long-term collaboration under the principle of shared benefits has seen several joint platforms established, such as a marine science and technology research and development center and an industry alliance, facilitating technological breakthroughs in sustainable resource use, marine management, and ecological protection, with shared research outcomes.

As marine economy becomes a new driver for global growth, focus is on balancing ecological protection and economic development to achieve sustainable marine economic growth.

Cambodia and Thailand highlighted ongoing cooperation in marine observation, coastal protection and biodiversity conservation, calling for more technical exchanges in fishery management and coastal restoration.

Guangxi plans to pilot AI applications in marine observation and port logistics, and advance "small yet impactful" projects with ASEAN in fisheries and mangrove carbon sinks.

Hosted by Guangxi's ocean authority, the forum, focusing on innovation and green growth, included sub-events on marine ecology, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy, strengthening regional cooperation in marine economy, science, and technology.