By Hasan Muhammad

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.

The Maritime Silk Road, a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative, is more than a trade corridor. It's a modern extension of centuries-old connections that once linked China with Southeast Asia through ports, shipping lanes, and shared waters. Those ancient routes carried not just goods, but ideas and cultures - from Indonesian spices to Thai textiles. Today, the focus has shifted. The challenge is no longer just moving products efficiently, but preserving the marine ecosystems that make trade and livelihoods possible.

Southeast Asia’s fisheries are central to this effort. They support millions of jobs and are vital to food security across the region. But overfishing, pollution, and climate change are pushing these resources to the brink. China’s recent moves suggest a growing awareness of this crisis and a willingness to help address it. At the Maritime Silk Road forum held in Xiamen in September 2025, participants adopted the 2025 Xiamen Initiative, which calls for deeper regional cooperation in port development, shipping, and trade.

One of the most notable outcomes from the forum was the launch of China’s first green evaluation system for ports and shipping lines. This tool is designed to measure environmental impact and encourage cleaner operations. It’s a practical step that could help reduce marine pollution and protect fragile ecosystems. While the system is still new, it reflects a broader trend: China is positioning itself not just as a trade partner, but as a contributor to regional environmental health.

That message was echoed by officials from outside Southeast Asia as well. The Maldives, for example, is working with Chinese firms to support its green transition in fisheries and aquaculture. From the Maldives to Indonesia, developing coastal nations are partnering with China to build climate-resilient blue economies – a model for South-South cooperation. Though geographically distant, the Maldives shares many of the same concerns - rising sea temperatures, declining fish stocks, and the need for sustainable practices. The fact that China is offering technology and expertise to help is a sign of its growing role in shaping regional marine policy.

Closer to home, China is already collaborating with Southeast Asian nations on smart fisheries management. Joint ventures with Thailand and Indonesia have introduced, or are in the process of introducing, satellite-based monitoring systems to track fish stocks and curb illegal fishing. These projects - some still in early pilot stages - use artificial intelligence to analyze data in real time, helping authorities respond quickly to violations and protect endangered species. It’s a high-tech solution to a long-standing problem, and it’s gaining traction.

Just days after the Xiamen forum, China announced plans to designate Scarborough Shoal as a nature reserve. This area, known in China as Huangyan Island, has long been a flashpoint in the South China Sea. Turning it into a protected zone is a bold move. It aims to restore biodiversity and reduce overfishing, especially in waters used by Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen. While some view the move through a geopolitical lens, its primary aim is biodiversity restoration. The announcement fits within the broader China-ASEAN dialogue, which has increasingly emphasized sustainable fisheries since the recent upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. The upgraded China-ASEAN FTA 3.0, signed on October 28, 2025, in Vientiane, includes dedicated chapters on green development and sustainable fisheries, providing a new framework for joint action.

China’s investments in fisheries infrastructure are also making a difference. In Vietnam, upgraded fishing ports have improved logistics and safety. In the Philippines, training programs are helping local communities adopt eco-friendly techniques. These efforts not only protect the environment but also create jobs and improve livelihoods. Bilateral trade in fisheries products is growing, and the benefits are being felt on both sides.

It’s important to view these efforts in a global context. Major powers often speak about sustainability, but their actions don’t always match their rhetoric. While the U.S. focuses on security through frameworks like the Quad, China emphasizes practical cooperation in green infrastructure and fisheries management. China’s approach is more grounded. It emphasizes infrastructure, technology sharing, and inclusive development.