The progress and prospect on China-EU Blue Partnership

YU Ting,YIN Yue,2,LIU Jiayi

1.National Marine Data and Information Service,Tianjin 300171,China;

2.College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences,Ocean University of China,Qingdao 266100,Shandong province,China;

3.School of Marine Science and Technology,Tianjin University,Tianjin 300072,China

Abstract:By reviewing the current status and progress made by China and EU in ocean related fields in the changing world,this paper tries to identify the needs,characteristics and strategic importance of the China-EU Blue Partnership.The Blue Partnership proposed by the Chinese government is open and inclusive.It values mutual beneficial,and calls for broader cooperation.China-EU Blue Partnership is not only related to the development of both China and EU,but also will significantly contribute to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Some suggestions on the further development of the Partnership are proposed to facilitate the implementation.

Keywords:China-EU Blue Partnership,sustainable development,Belt and Road Initiative,marine cooperation

Since the beginning of the 21st century,with the deepening of economic globalization,trade liberalization and growing connectivity,the exchange and interaction among countries in the world are more frequent.As a bridge and link,oceans and seas are more prominent in the world that is experiencing profound and complex changes.They are playing an increasingly important role in channeling international trade,ensuring navigation safety,stimulating scientific and technological innovation,supporting sustainable economic growth,and providing ecological services.In other words,oceans and seas are increasingly critical in the sustainable development of human society,especially when given the new challenges including climate change,over fishing,marine litter,and other adverse impacts from human activities.Hence the peace and tranquility of the oceans is crucial for the security and interests of countries around the world,and this requires joint efforts to maintain.

China as the world’s biggest developing country,attaches great importance to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development[1],and has incorporated the sustainable development goals(SDGs)and all related targets into national policy frameworks.China’s National Plan on Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmentcalls for governments,private sectors,civil society and international organizations to foster a sense of community of shared interests and establish an all-round partnership by playing their respective roles in global development cooperation,so as to create synergy[2].The five development concepts featuring innovative,coordinated,green,open and shared development proposed by the Chinese government is consistent with the trend of the times while accommodating with the shared blueprint of people,planet,prosperity,peace and partnership(5P)proposed in the 2030 Agenda.

In June 2017,the Chinese delegation together with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO(IOC-UNESCO)and Conservation International(CI),held a side meeting of Building Blue Partnerships for Advancing Global Ocean Governance during the UN Ocean Conference(United Nations,New York,5-9 June 2017),proposing that‘all parties concerned,regardless of the strength of a country,the size of the international organizations,can equally express their concerns in the process of promoting global ocean governance’,and‘listen to developing countries,especially the voice of small island developing States(SIDS)to allow Blue Partnership adapt to and serve the diversified global ocean governance elements and themes’.The Blue Partnership advocated by China is closely in line with the spirit of"leave no one behind"in the 2030 Agenda,and will effectively serve the needs of reasonable and balanced global ocean governance system at multi-levels.

The EU and China established formal diplomatic ties in 1975 and today EU-China relations encompass an annual summit,regular ministerial meetings,and over 60 sectoral dialogues.The EU and China are committed to a comprehensive strategic partnership.On 16 July 2018,during the 20th China-EU Summit,China and the European Union has signed a unique ocean partnership agreement,Blue Partnership.Two of the world’s largest ocean economies will work together to improve the international governance of the oceans in all its aspects,including by addressing climate change,combating illegal fishing and promoting a sustainable blue economy,and marine resources conservation,thus to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development[3].In September 2019,the first‘Blue Partnership Forum for the Oceans’was held in Brussels.It brought together stakeholders from both the EU and China,including Member States representatives,the business sector,academia,think-tanks and NGOs,to discuss a number of topics of common interest and identify possible joint actions in these areas.The second forum is scheduled to be held in 2020,to continue providing input to shape future actions under the areas covered by the Partnership.

Based on the current situation and challenges of global ocean governance,this paper first reviews the completed or current in-progress ocean-related cooperation between China and the EU,then analyzes the positioning,significance and contribution of China-EU Blue Partnership in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative and the its possible contribution to global ocean governance.Last,some thoughts are proposed for the future sustainable development of China-EU Blue Partnership.

1 China-EU Cooperation in ocean related fields

In 2010,the Chinese government and the European Commission jointly signed theMemorandum of understanding on the establishment of a high-level dialogue on integrated ocean management,and launched the high-level dialogue on integrated ocean management,reaching consensus on practical action plan.The two sides decided to set 2017 as the"China-EU Blue Year"to jointly build a"Blue Partnership".Since then,the cooperation between both sides in the field of oceans has been increasingly close.

In November 2013,China and EU jointly adopted the China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation,at the 16th China-EU Summit co-chaired by Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China,Herman van Rompuy,President of the European Council,and JoséManuel Barroso,President of the European Commission[4].The two sides agreed to fully implementthe Strategic Agenda for Cooperation through their annual Summit,which provides strategic guidance to their relationship;through the three pillars directly underpinning the Summit(the annual High Level Strategic Dialogue,the annual High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue,and the bi-annual People-to-People Dialogue);through their regular meetings of counterparts and through their broad range of sectoral dialogues.Especially,the two sides then strengthened cooperation in marine environmental protection,blue economy,marine science and technology,development and utilization of new marine energy,such as integrated ocean management,ocean acidification,through high-level dialogue,mutual visits and exchanges of personnel,and joint seminars.

The third China-EU High Level Dialogue on Ocean affairs took place on Mar.2,2017.The very first symbolic step in exploring ways to reinforce China-EU cooperation on ocean affairs in the medium to long term was the launching of the 2017 China-EU Blue Year.As part of this China-EU Blue Year,a series of activities on ocean matters were organized.These activities all aimed to foster closer ties and mutual understanding by bringing together experts from both sides in different locations in China and Europe[5].

China-EU Blue Industry Cooperation Forum that opened in Shenzhen on 8 December 2017,was an important part of the"2017 China-EU Blue Year"series of activities.Hosted by State Oceanic Administration of China,the event was the first of its kind between China and the EU,attracting nearly 300 Chinese officials,experts and company executives as well as more than 60 representatives from the EU.?With the theme of"Blue Partnership and Win-win Cooperation",it aimed to deepen the exchanges and cooperation on industry,technology,investment and financing in the ocean fields between China and the EU,propose to establish an"International Blue Industry Alliance",promote the construction of"China-EU Blue Industry Cooperation Park",and promote China and the EU maritime related enterprises and scientific research Institutions,financial institutions and industry associations form a blue partnership of mutual benefit and trust,contributing to the sustainable development of the global blue economy.

The signing of Blue Partnership between China and the EU in 2018 was a landmark event.This marked the beginning of a new phase of strategic China-EU ocean relations and will serving as a high-level dialogue framework for the future collaborations between China and the EU countries.In the same year,European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries(DGMARE)sent a delegation to visit National Marine Data and Information(NMDIS)of China,for the exchange of thoughts and information on the future cooperation in ocean data and services following-up the cooperation proposal on marine big data raised at China-EU Blue Year Event-forecasting,data,monitoring,planning,indicators(1-2 June,2017,Brussels).Then a three years project EMOD-PACE(EMODnet PArtnership for China and Europe)was established at EU DGMARE which defining major cooperation areas with common interests and challenges in marine data science and service.It will promote the sharing of common and different best practices in ocean governance and ocean data and information products.The outcomes of the project will contribute the establishment of China-EU Marine Data Network Partnership with closer and long term collaboration between EMODnet and NMDIS.Another example of successful implementation of the Partnership is the signing of an agreement between Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology(Qingdao)with European Marine Energy Center on construction of offshore test centre for marine energy converters(MECs)in China in March 2019[6].

Besides the cooperation with the EU,China also established strong collaborative ocean relationship with the European Countries.Earlier than the European Union,in November 2017,China and Portugal signed an agreement on the establishment of a"Blue Partnership"during Xiamen International Ocean Week,which promoted the cooperation between the two sides in the maritime field to be more concrete and pragmatic.Portugal is the first European country to establish a Blue Partnership with China,and this Partnership deepened the cooperation in sustainable development of the marine economy,marine scientific and technological innovation,marine ecological environment management,etc.

2 The strategic importance of China-EU Blue Partnership

China is the world’s largest developing country and emerging economy.Under the condition of insufficient impetus for global ocean governance,China has actively undertaken international responsibility as a responsible developing country.The initiative of building a Blue Partnership was such a contribution to the sustainable development of oceans.Since 2017,China has signed intergovernmental documents with Portugal,EU and Seychelles on the establishment of Blue Partnership,and reached consensus with relevant small island countries on the establishment of blue partnership[7].To step up China-EU cooperation and seek closer ties between the two markets and civilizations will not only serve the interests of the two economies,improve the living standards of the peoples,but will also inject impetus to the world economy[8].

One example of the successful partnership could be reflected in the area of ocean observation and data service.The Chinese government attaches great importance to ocean data,monitoring and forecasting.After decades of efforts,the capacity in operational oceanography of China has been greatly improved,serving as a key tool for ocean disasters mitigation,climate adaptation,ocean and coastal resources conservation and restoration,as well as integrated ocean management.This has been benefited from close cooperation with the European maritime organization,such as those from France,Italy,and Belgium.In the meantime,marine big data is developing fast in China.The ocean environmental integrated database and marine cloud computing platform is under construction,and research and development on unified data standards and technical specifications are also being carried out by NMDIS.Currently,marine big data are widely applied in the R&D of data and information products,such as global and regional marine environment statistical analysis products,and ocean reanalysis products.They are also used in promoting marine economic development,spatial planning,search and rescue,sea area and islands management,etc.Thus,it is believed that a joint-projects on the ocean data and information(e.g.EMOD-PACE)could be beneficial to both sides.And it’s our shared hope to deepen practical and win-win cooperation between China and the EU in ocean data application and user oriented services,and other broader areas in marine information technology to meet our global commitments and contribute to global ocean governance and addressing global challenges we face.

2.1 Participate in the new phase of global ocean governance through the Blue Partnership

At present,China is still a"latecomer"in the inter-related,intertwined system of global ocean governance.The world's trends toward multipolarity and economic globalisation are deepening.The"multilateral"model with international organizations as the main body is widely divergent and slow to be implemented in the current shaping of the international maritime order,and the governance orientation is not necessarily in line with any nation’s interests,because itself is contently evolving with converging and competing demands and interests.Administrative mechanisms are required to established system of coordination and co-operation between all the stakeholders that have a role in the management of the ocean[9].

Owing to its unique structure as a supra-national organization,the EU and its Integrated Maritime Policy(IMP)is a successful example of how to conduct multilevel oceans governance that permeates all ocean areas[10].As important actors in a multipolar world,the EU and China share responsibility for promoting peace,prosperity and sustainable development for the benefit of all.Take the China-EU Blue Partnership as a breakthrough,work towards international ocean governance recognized by both sides,gradually play the demonstration effect and expand the scope of cooperation,serve the interest of both sides and of importance to the world’s peace and stability.

2.2 Promote the“Belt and Road”cooperation process in Europe.

“Belt and Road Initiative”proposed by the Chinese Government is a cooperation initiative rooted in history,but oriented toward the future.It focuses on Asia,Europe and Africa,and is open to all partners.China has proposed to build three ocean-based"blue economic passages"connecting Asia with Africa,Oceania,Europe and beyond,in a bid to advance maritime cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.In theVision for Maritime Cooperation under the“Belt&Road Initiative”released in 2017[11],China showed its willingness to engage in multidimensional and broad maritime cooperation and build open,inclusive cooperation platforms with countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.China,supported by its coastal economic belt,will deepen ocean cooperation by fostering closer ties with countries along the Road,with one blue economic passage envisioned leading up to Europe via the Arctic Ocean.The implementation of the“Belt and Road Initiative”in Europe could be promoted by the Blue Partnership through the stepwise maritime cooperation which has no political sensitivity.Blue Partnership will also gradually expand the maritime interests both of China and the European Union in various aspects such as policy coordination,infrastructure connectivity,blue economy development,science and technology innovation,culture exchange,etc.,thus forging a“blue engine”for sustainable development.

2.3 Open up the EU's vast marine economic market and introduce the EU's advanced marine technology.

EU countries are the first entities to carry out marine high-tech research and focus on the blue economy.They are global leaders in marine energy,marine environmental protection,deep sea exploration and polar expedition,with sophisticated development concept,market cultivation,policy support,etc.At present,the EU is China's largest trading partner,and both sides have strong expectations for marine economic growth.For example,the International Energy Agency(IEA)predicts that by 2040,the installed capacity and investment of China and EU offshore wind power will be more than 10 times of that in 2018[12].The China-EU Joint Investment Fund,which began operation in July 2018 with an injected capital of EUR500 million from the Silk Road Fund and the European Investment Fund,has helped the Belt and Road Initiative to dovetail with the Investment Plan for Europe[13].Blue Partnership will promote Chinese enterprises to"step out",and"bring back"technology or take"market for technology"to accelerate the cultivation of domestic enterprises for engagement in the international marine economic market.

2.4 Jointly contribute to building a harmonious international community

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for cooperation and partnership.The global maritime development is complicated pattern with co-existing cooperation and competition.How to achieve effective communication and cooperation between decentralized governance subjects is of crucial importance for the peace and stability.In 2015,the partnership was officially established as one of the implementation ways of sustainable development.Partnership is the core spirit and is one of the important component of the 2030 agenda.Both China and the EU are major ocean players.In the long run,China-EU Blue Partnership should be regarded as a new mechanism to ease maritime conflicts facing by China.The overall design and mechanism conception of"promoting political relationship through economy cooperation"should be well considered.

Blue economy can be a driver for Europe's welfare and prosperity.A series of action/initiatives had been launched in many policy areas related to Europe's oceans,seas and coasts,facilitating the cooperation between maritime business,public authorities and stakeholders across borders and sectors.The Blue Partnership with China also fits the needs of the EU to ensure the sustainability of the marine environment.For example,some European countries are in strong desire for investment and financing support from China.EU strives for China's support for international rules in the field of maritime affairs.Through the partnership,EU would able to export its standards and best practice in marine environment protection and comprehensive ocean management.Therefore,it is hoped that China and the EU will enhance understanding and mutual trust,enhance communication and promote multilateral practical cooperation.The EU wants the Ocean Partnership with China to lead to tangible results.

3 Towards the future of China-EU Blue Partnership

The Blue Partnership is a practical way to speed up the construction of a maritime power and to build a community with shared future.General Secretary Xi Jinping encouraged the"efforts to promote marine connectivity and cooperation in all areas,and develop a‘Blue Partnership’among all countries"in a letter to the 2019 China Marine Economy Expo(CMEE)with the theme of"Sharing Blue Economy Opportunities,Building a Shared Future"[14].At present,with the positive attitude of the EU towards building Blue Partnership with China,an opportunity to accelerate the cooperation is offered by the time.On the basis of fully analyzing the needs of China-EU maritime cooperation,we should careful design the cooperation mechanism and implementation path to fulfill the vision.

Concerns over the influence of human activity on the global sustainable development has focused attention on the adaptation to climate change,ecosystem based management,and led to the international collaborative efforts of establishing appropriate mechanism.The China-EU Blue Partnership contains clear commitments to protect the marine environment,tackle climate change in accordance with the Paris Agreement and implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in particular the SDG 14 on oceans.Therefore,the implementation should take the following aspects into consideration.First,the integrative nature of cooperation.Both the EU and China are seeking to sustain their economic growth and see the Partnership offering significant economic potentials.With blue economy as the primary focus,blue economic and trade reciprocal measures could be launched,to expand cooperation in trade and investment,pursuing economic development and social progress as a top priority.And the Partnership should further gradually expand to maritime transportation,conventional and renewable resource exploration,disaster prevention and mitigation,science and technology,safety,culture and other fields.The two sides may consider to develop and improve the marine environmental protection network,strengthen scientific,technological and cultural exchanges and capacity-building,improve the well-being of people,and jointly cope with cross-border and cross-region environmental challenges.

Second,strong mutual benefit.Driven by the internal needs,EU has rich experience of establishing rule-based connectivity allowing the free flow of people,goods,services and capital.China-EU Blue Partnership shall draw on that best practice and extend the flow.While setting up favorable rules and standards and setting thresholds and barriers for potential competitors,the benefits of partner countries should be also improved.Through the fair and stronger trade,closer infrastructure links,easier market access,the participating economies are expected to unlock opportunities for thriving maritime economy.Some maritime interests can be transferred through appropriate concessions and compromises with comprehensive societal dialogue.

Third,allow the gradual implementation.In the early stage,low sensitive areas such as marine economy,ecological environment protection,marine pollution,disaster prevention and mitigation would be the start for example through demonstrative and inspiring cooperative projects.Cooperation in mariculture,biopharmaceutical,marine engineering technology,renewable ocean energy,desalination and marine tourism would be actively promoted.After deepening cooperation and expanding consensus,it will gradually develop in the international and regional maritime security,rights and interests for the goal of a maritime community with a shared future.

Seeking for new cooperation based on the respective focus of Europe and China are also essential for the sustainability of the Partnership.To address the needs for sustainable development,the EU has already proposed international cooperation projects in Arctic waterway,Bioeconomy Policy[15],marine technology development and financing,blue growth investment[16],marine plastic,marine spatial planning,marine observation and data services,etc.,initiated Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership(PEUMP)[17],EuroSea Project,and issuedConnecting Europe and Asia-Building Blocks for an EU Strategy[18]and Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles[19],etc.All of them deserve the attention from China.At the same time,based on the needs of ecological civilization system and natural resources management,China through the Ministry of Natural Recourses and other relevant agencies/institutes should actively seek technical cooperation European counterparts in implementing the ecosystem based integrated ocean management,especially in the fields of marine natural resources assets accounting,typical marine ecosystem protection and restoration,coastal zone planning and management,marine resources and environment carrying capacity monitoring,and ocean energy R&D.The two sides could work together against the ocean ecological environment degradation by promoting the efficient use of marine resources,the rational allocation of development and protection space,and the practical transformation of development methods,so as to realize the harmonious and sustainable development of the global ocean.

Acknowledgement

This study is supported by Project of study of the blue economic passage under the framework of global ocean governance(2019)at National Marine Data and Information Service,and Social Science Foundation Project(18JZD059)supported by the Ministry of Education,China.We are grateful to Dr.Xie Lingling and Ms.Wan Fangfang for correcting the English.