The paper elaborates the connotation and geostrategic significance of national maritime governance system, which proposes that the maritime governance system and maritime governance capacity make a complementary organic whole; As a complicated systematic project, the construction of Chinese maritime governance system becomes an indispensable part in building China into a maritime country. Its the supplement and perfection of the global ocean governance system, which reflects the transition of China from a land state to ocean state, promoting maritime rights protection carried out in a way characterized by overall consideration. The paper discusses the opportunities and challenges confronted by China in the course of constructing national maritime governance system; emphasizes and designs paths to build the national maritime governance system; and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions on the multi-stage development with the strategic focus. The ultimate goal in developing Chinas marine governance is proposed, which claims to

actively build the complex of the Blue Partnership, the Blue Interest Community, and the Blue Destiny Community, as well as to establish a harmonious ocean society.

The theories and practices of global ocean governance are the product of the ocean order which evolves from disordered power competition to the one that is centered on rules and mechanisms. In addition, as an important part of the ocean order, the framework of the ocean governance system also reflects the structure of powers and rules. The ocean order in the world as well as in the South China Sea is currently being reshaped, and ocean governance has accordingly entered into a new phase. Improving relevant rules and regulations, China and the ASEAN states should seize the opportunity of the current ocean order evolution in the South China Sea, so as to establish a regional network of ocean governance cooperation mechanism and a rule-based governance system in the South China Sea. In this process, China and the ASEAN states should make continued and greater efforts to maintain the initiative and play the roles that match with their national strength and regional influence.

With the development of globalization, ocean issues become more severe, which gives rise to the global ocean governance. Joint Communication on International Ocean Governance adopted by the European Union provides the theoretical basis for global ocean governance. South pacific region is confronted with various ocean issues, and the ocean is closely related to the regional economy and people’s livelihood. South pacific region has a complete chain of subject, object and regulations for ocean governance, effectively putting the theory of global ocean governance into practice, which entitles this region the leading role in global ocean governance. Enlightenment on ocean governance of this region claims as follows. Firstly, cooperation between regional organizations should be strengthened. Secondly, global ocean governance partnerships should be built. Thirdly, regional ocean governance ideas should develop in line with global ocean governance ideas.

Since the 1980s, the development of sustainable fisheries and the protection of marine ecosystem have gained global significance, which become the hot issues in global marine fisheries governance. A review of relevant international treaties and rules shows that the development trends of global fisheries governance are vulnerable marine ecosystem has been highlighted; applications of ecosystem approach in marine living resources management are being emphasized; protection of marine biodiversity in the area beyond national jurisdiction is being enhanced; management of deep sea fisheries is being strengthened, and the development of sustainable fisheries will be promoted. Features of global marine fisheries governance are the role of regional fisheries management organizations in global fisheries governance has been reinforced; more responsibilities and duties should be shouldered by flag states; implementation standards for the conservation and management of fisheries resources are being clearly defined; combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing has become priority in fisheries governance; cooperation in enforcement should be promoted and the effect of enforcement should be improved; and close attention should be paid to impacts of aquaculture on marine ecosystem. In the context of promoting “The Belt and Road”, improving the awareness of marine

ecosystem protection, promoting the capacity to fulfill relevant responsibilities, and carrying out the duties of flag state are principal challenges that Chinese marine fisheries face.

The marine plastic pollution is increasingly significant and ubiquitous, with plastic debris found on even the most remote coastal areas and in almost every marine habitat. Microplastics are those less than 5 mm in diameter, considered as the PM 2.5 in the marine ecosystem. Research shows that plastic pollution, which is gradually becoming a global threat, may impact biodiversity, ecosystem services, and food security. Nowadays, considerable concerns about plastic debris have already extended from specific scientific research to substantial pollution control and global governance. The pollution caused by plastic debris has become an emerging political issue interwoven with environmental and social economic issues. The paper introduces existing governance mechanisms addressing marine plastic debris at global, regional, national and local level. The soft law dominates in global efforts to address marine debris, while there is a long way to go for multilateral environmental agreements. The need for a legally binding international agreement specifically addressing marine plastic debris is discussed, and challenges confronted by China in preventing and controlling marine plastic pollution are analyzed.