The ocean shapes Qingdao's identity and drives its growth. In 2025, the city's marine GDP grew by 6.5 percent, reinforcing its status as the third-largest marine economy among Chinese coastal cities.

This progress is supported by robust policy measures, including Shandong's first marine economy promotion regulation and the implementation of 20 supportive policies, creating a full-chain system that fosters innovation, industry growth, and financial stability in the marine sector. Managing the ocean has become a hallmark of Qingdao's high-quality development.

As the new five-year plan begins, Qingdao aims to build a modern marine center by accelerating the development of "three centers and one highland" and striving for national demonstration zone status.

Policy support has intensified, with the upgraded "ocean 20 measures" directing over 400 million yuan ($57.44 million) — tripling previous funding — to support the modern marine industrial system. This support targets both traditional sectors like modern fisheries and emerging areas such as marine equipment and biopharma.

The city's marine scientific and technological capabilities are concentrated. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the Laoshan Laboratory has operated at a high level, and the national marine biological product quality inspection center was approved for construction.

Qingdao has accelerated the clustering of marine-related national and provincial innovation platforms that it leads or participates in, with eight provincial modern marine industry technology innovation centers established, accounting for 47 percent of Shandong's total.

Qingdao Port made significant progress during the period. A total of 20 new shipping routes were launched, and the port's cargo and container throughput continued to rank fourth and fifth globally, respectively.

Looking ahead, Qingdao is charting a clear course to deepen its ocean-centric development and strengthen its role as a leading marine hub.

The ocean shapes Qingdao's identity and drives its growth. [Photo/Guanhai News]