Development and reform of marine spatial planning in China under the new territorial spatial planning system

Abstract Over the last two decades, countries worldwide have become increasingly aware of the potential of marine space, which has led to a significant development in marine spatial planning (MSP) and the proliferation of studies and practical exploration of MSP issues. In China, MSP is undergoing a new series of reforms. Despite discussions in the academic community on the methods and mechanisms of MSP, issues related to planning, system designs, and implementation priorities for the next stage of MSP in China remain unresolved. This study describes the multiplan integration characterization of MSP in China. It intends to address these issues by presenting a potential MSP system and defining the specific contents and tools that need to be applied to coastal spatial planning (CSP). CSP will be at the core of MSP in China in the future.