On June 3, 2014, the State Council approved the establishment of the Qingdao West Coast New Area, making it China’s ninth approved national-level new area. According to the State Council’s approval, the new area is to focus on the development of the marine economy, comprehensively implement the marine strategy, and develop the marine economy, thereby playing an active role in promoting the leading transformation and development of the eastern coastal region’s economy and building China into a maritime power.It aims to develop into a leading zone for independent innovation in marine science and technology, a strategic support base for deep-sea and offshore development, a demonstration zone for military-civilian integration innovation, a pioneer zone for international cooperation in the marine economy, and a pilot zone for integrated land-sea development.