BEIJING — The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) will open its fourth institute for marine research in Beihai City in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

According to a memorandum signed by the SOA and Guangxi, the institute will be key to achieving the strategy of becoming a maritime power, the Belt and Road Initiative and integrated oceanic management.

The Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed by China in 2013, as a trade and infrastructure network that would connect Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes.

The other three marine research institutes are in the coastal cities of Qingdao, Hangzhou and Xiamen.