A seafood merchant in Davao, Philippines, reads a newspaper about Philippine Coast Guard operations in the South China Sea on March 25, 2024. Photo: Hu Yuwei/Global Times

Faced with the uncertainties and tensions brought about by maritime disputes and geopolitical rivalry, it is more important than ever for China and ASEAN to jointly promote cooperation in the area of the blue economy, especially in the South China Sea. This will not only help de-escalate tensions in the region but also create better conditions for pursuing sustainable economic development.

The South China Sea situation has once again become a focus of international attention, as the Philippines has repeatedly denied the existence of the gentleman's agreement with China in order to deliberately create provocations and tensions in the region. 

Its behavior has a lot to do with US meddling and incitement. For quite some time, Washington has been working to destabilize the area by instigating confrontation, flexing its muscles, and sowing chaos to further complicate and intensify the situation in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' attempt to depend on unilateral actions or external support to settle the South China Sea dispute is unrealistic. This approach would not only be ineffective in finding a solution, but could also escalate tensions in the region, ultimately harming the interests of all parties involved.

In this context, the Philippines is advised to actively engage in joint development to shift from confrontation to cooperation, particularly in the development of the blue economy.

The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of marine resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. It encompasses a wide range of economic activities such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, the sea salt industry, the marine oil and gas industry, renewable energy and biotechnology.

The development of the blue economy aligns well with the Philippines' long-term interests as a maritime nation, with its fishery sector serving as a crucial economic pillar. By collaborating with China and other ASEAN countries, the Philippine fishery sector can experience enhanced growth, ultimately contributing to the advance of the blue economy of ASEAN and China.

During the Forum on China-ASEAN Cooperation in the Blue Economy held on May 18 in Haikou, South China's Hainan Province, Chi Fulin, president of the Haikou-based China Institute for Reform and Development, said that if China and ASEAN can overcome cooperation barriers and establish a free trade network focused on integrating the blue economy, it will unlock significant dividends for regional economic growth and inject "blue momentum" into regional economic integration.

There is still much room for improvement in cooperation in the area of the blue economy between China and ASEAN. At present, 30 percent of ASEAN countries' GDP comes from the sea. 

In 2023, China's marine economy accounted for 7.9 percent of its GDP. Some studies suggest that if China and ASEAN invest $2 trillion to $3.7 trillion in the blue economy from 2020 to 2050, it could generate net benefits of $8.2 trillion to $22.8 trillion, with a return on investment of 450 percent to 615 percent, according to Chinese media reports.

Therefore, promoting the integration of the blue economy has not only become a major priority for comprehensive cooperation, but will create an important foundation for the stability of regional supply chains.

We do not want to see Manila become a spoiler of the regional integration of the blue economy in the South China Sea. On the contrary, we hope that the Philippines will actively participate in the common development agenda. 

The South China Sea issue is a complex geopolitical one that requires the joint efforts and wisdom of all parties involved. Strengthened cooperation, particularly in the realm of the blue economy, could offer fresh perspectives and approaches to resolving disputes and fostering mutual development.

By collaborating with China and other ASEAN countries, the Philippines can not only advance its own economic growth but also contribute to a more stable foundation for addressing the South China Sea issue. This is not only in the Philippines' best interest but also serves the broader interests of the entire region.