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BRUSSELS, Sept. 6-- The oceans are fragile and vulnerable. No one can tackle such challenges alone as climate change, overfishing, illegal fishing and marine litter. The European Union (EU)-China Blue Partnership for the Oceans is key in creating international cooperation, strong partnerships and a rules-based global order, Karmenu Vella, European commissioner for the environment, maritime affairs and fisheries, has told Xinhua. "We must focus on improving the ocean governance framework, reducing pressures, facilitating sustainable use and strengthening ocean research and data," he said in an exclusive written interview with Xinhua prior to the First China-EU Blue Partnership Forum for the Oceans on Thursday. The forum brought together EU and Chinese stakeholders to help shape future actions under the areas covered by the Ocean Partnership, including ocean governance, a thriving blue economy and sustainable fisheries, among others. COMPREHENSIVE, HOLISTIC FRAMEWORK "The Blue Partnership for the Oceans marked the beginning of a new phase in our bilateral ocean relations. It set out a comprehensive and holistic framework for cooperation in the area of oceans. Our shared objective is to ensure effective governance for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, including sustainable fisheries and a thriving maritime economy," said the commissioner. China and the EU established their Blue Partnership last year during the 20th China-EU summit in Beijing. | 
