Recent Developments of China’s Institutional Reform for Ocean Management: An Appraisal

Abstract In 2018, Chinese Government started the new round of institutional reform under which relevant functions of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) have been integrated into the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Ministry of Ecology and Environment, and other relevant Ministries. By the end of 2019, reforms of national and local institutions at all levels had been completed. However, such reforms are not consistent between national and local levels, and some new developments at local level emerge. This article examines the history and the recent developments of China’s institutional reform for ocean management, and provides a preliminary assessment thereof. It is arguable institutions that are part of central integrated management (referenced as category C institutions), provincial/local diversified ocean management frameworks (category P) and other ocean management innovations (multiple pilot projects, marine central cities, and demonstration areas, category M) have been formed and preliminary results of the reorganizations are largely positive.