The new development of the ocean governance mechanism in Taiwan and its reference for China

The 21st Century has witnessed the increased efforts by states around the world on the planning for and management of the 'Blue National Soil'. Taiwan has achieved a series of major breakthroughs in the area of ocean governance. With the enactment of the Coastal Zone Management Act and the 'Four Ocean Affairs-related Organisation Acts' by the legislature, Taiwan not only establishes a substantive administration framework for the coastal zone management but also foresees its very first specialised marine administrative authority. This article seeks to introduce the text, the legislative history, the current implementation and the future development of these acts. Through detailed comparison with the China's coastal legislation and ocean administration reform, it identifies preferable points in Taiwan's experience so as to provide reference for China in upgrading its ocean governance system.