Qingdao is a city born of the sea and sustained by it, drawing strength from ocean resources, maritime trade, and coastal culture to build a thriving modern metropolis. [Photo/WeChat account: opiniononline]

Qingdao is focusing on its marine strengths, targeting an average annual growth rate of over 6.5 percent for its gross ocean product during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30). The city is pushing to establish itself as a modern marine center city.

In 2025, Qingdao's marine economy grew by about 6.5 percent, ranking it third among China's coastal cities. The sector is viewed as a driving force for the city's goal to join the 2-trillion-yuan ($290 billion) GDP club by 2028 and as a key element of high-quality development.

Qingdao accelerates efforts to build itself into a modern marine center city. [Photo/WeChat account: opiniononline]

Last year, 170 key marine projects attracted 41.58 billion yuan in investment, with nearly 80 percent directed toward modern marine industries. Qingdao is advancing across all 28 marine sectors — from traditional fisheries and port shipping to new areas like marine equipment, new energy, and deep-sea development.

As China's first city to introduce a specialized plan for marine AI models, Qingdao has developed over 30 marine AI models, creating a tiered system from foundational models to industry-specific applications.

The city's port capabilities continue to rise. In the 2025 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Index, Qingdao climbed to 13th globally — surpassing Tokyo and Busan for the first time. With nearly 240 shipping routes connecting over 180 countries and regions, and cargo and container throughput ranking fourth and fifth globally in 2025, Qingdao Port is a critical link in global supply chains.

Qingdao extends its development reach across sea, land, air, and rail networks. [Photo/WeChat account: opiniononline]

Currently, Qingdao has extended its development reach across sea, land, air, and rail networks. The city now connects with over 50 inland ports and operates more than 80 sea-rail intermodal routes, establishing a "golden corridor" to the world. At the same time, Qingdao is expanding its marine-related international exchanges and cooperation, having established sister cities or friendly ties with 94 cities in 53 countries.

Looking ahead, Qingdao will continue to expand its global maritime network and efficiently channel capital, talent, and data through this strategic outpost.