Abstract:

Hainan is entitled to govern the waters and islands claimed by China in the South China Sea and is surrounded by the sea and nine Southeast Asian countries. Hainan plays an extremely special role in the systematic building of a maritime community with a shared future between China and ASEAN countries. Although the roles of Hainan in the implementation of such a maritime community are not decided, the present study clearly discusses the concept of a maritime community with a shared future from multiple perspectives, and provides a framework for Hainan's role in the community. Hainan has a three dimensional role in the systematic cooperation between China and Southeast countries to build a maritime community: a forward base, an important strategic fulcrum, and a pioneer officer. The special policy advantages of building a free trade port with Chinese characteristics will provide impetus for Hainan to transform these advantages into practical effects. However, objective factors such as the South China Sea disputes, the small scale of the Hainan marine industry, and deficiency of marine research capability have caused a "containment effect" to some extent. This paper argues that Hainan can optimize its spatial and industrial layout by scientifically planning the development of marine industry, relying on the top-level design of the government and guided by the special policy arrangements of free trade port with Chinese characteristics, in order to cope with the challenges posed by politics and relatively lagging development. Certainly, two aspects still need to be further discussed: Hainan overcoming the effects of maritime disputes, and competing for leadership in the renewal of the regional marine industrial system.

Key words: Maritime community with a shared future, South China Sea, Hainan, free trade port with Chinese characteristics