Exciting news for our tech-savvy community! The Chinese mainland's marine economy surged by 5.8% in the first half of 2025, reaching a gross ocean production of 5.1 trillion yuan (around $708 billion). This impressive growth, confirmed by preliminary data from the Ministry of Natural Resources, highlights a strong focus on marine resource development and tech innovation—even amid global uncertainties. 🚀
Maritime development areas expanded by 25.2%, now covering 167,000 hectares and supporting projects worth 500 billion yuan. Offshore crude oil production edged up by 2.3%, while natural gas output jumped 16.9%. The offshore wind power sector made waves with a massive 199.4% surge in new grid-connected capacity and a 2.2% rise in power generation. Domestic aquatic production also grew by 4.8%.
Traditional industries are staying robust: the shipbuilding sector retains its global leadership by securing 64% of new orders, while marine tourism jumped 8% with cruise passenger volumes soaring by 40.1%. Marine transport volumes increased by 5.2% and freight turnover by 6.9%, underscoring the dynamic nature of these sectors. 🌊
Emerging sectors are riding the tide too. Offshore engineering equipment deliveries rose by 39.3% with order backlogs up by 9.7%. Innovative breakthroughs, such as Qingdao's "Starfish AI Model" for marine pharmaceutical research and the continuous operation of the "Fenjinhao" megawatt generator for three years, demonstrate how technology is powering traditional marine strengths.
Experts view this momentum as a testament to the Chinese mainland's strategic focus and resilience, perfectly echoing the fast-paced, innovative spirit of today's youth. It's a vibrant chapter in a story of growth and transformation that keeps pushing boundaries!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
