The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) proposes extending the blue economy through adhering to the overall planning of sea and coastal areas, expanding the marine economy and scientifically developing marine resources. It also emphasizes protecting the marine ecological environment, safeguarding China's maritime rights and interests and strengthening the country's maritime power.

With the ocean important for national economic development and maintaining a country's sovereignty, security and interests, the implementation of a comprehensive maritime strategy is of great importance.

The 13th Five-Year Plan proposes the coordinated development of China's blue economy and maritime power to safeguard national security, sovereignty and economic development.

Over the next five years, China will make the ocean a key part of its national strategic regional layout, take full advantage of marine areas, utilize its marine resources and protect its marine ecology. China will also enhance the ecological protection of its islands and make more efforts to explore resources, including in the polar regions and international sea-bed areas.

(China Daily 11/30/2015 page8)