In March 2011, the 12th Five-Year Plan covered the marine economy for the first time, calling for the upgrading of marine industries and the strengthening of the management and supervision capacity of the ocean.

In April 2012, the State Oceanic Administration released the functional zones of the country's ocean (2011-20), classifying the ocean into eight functional zones, such as fishing and aquaculture, industrial and urban use, mineral and energy exploration, entertainment, and protection.

In November 2012, the 18th Party Congress called for China to become a "maritime power", vowing to increase input to safeguard its maritime rights and interests, develop a marine economy and better protect oceanic ecology.