China to boost Indian Ocean region

China is seeking to deepen cooperation with countries in the Indian Ocean region to boost the blue economy and explore new maritime economic collaboration models, a senior Chinese official said on Monday.

Wang Yong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, outlined the initiative at the Third China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation in Kunming, Yunnan province.

"China aims to enhance partnerships in maritime transport, biomedicine, renewable energy, infrastructure, and marine science and technology," Wang said. "These efforts will inject fresh vitality into the development of countries in the region."

Wang also pledged that China will collaborate on combating marine pollution, responding to public health emergencies and helping small island nations build climate resilience.

"Peace and stability in the oceans demand collective effort," Wang said. "China is ready to work with others to shape governance rules and promote equitable global ocean governance."

The forum, themed "Future of the Blue Indian Ocean — Development Practice of the Global South", addressed issues including fisheries, disaster prevention, climate adaptation, marine energy and ecological protection.

Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that advancing the blue economy aligns with the shared interests of all nations.

"Small island states, despite their breathtaking beauty, face existential threats, yet their concerns remain under-addressed," Luo said.

He highlighted China's support for such states through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, citing projects in agriculture, marine energy and early-warning climate systems.

Maldivian Vice-President Hussain Mohamed Latheef underscored the urgency of climate action, noting his country's ambitious renewable energy goals and expressing gratitude for China's support.

"The Maldives is doing everything possible to adapt and mitigate climate impacts despite limited resources," Latheef said. "China has always been a reliable partner for our progress."

The Maldives plans to meet 33 percent of its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2028, he said, adding that bilateral agreements signed earlier this year with China will further bolster blue economy cooperation.

Barbados Senate President Reginald Farley also praised the forum's significance for small-island nations, emphasizing China's contributions to multilateral development and its role in advancing the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.