Marine plastic pollution has emerged as a critical global environmental challenge, threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and economic sustainability. Despite international efforts—such as the 2022 UN Resolution to End Plastic Pollution and ongoing negotiations for a legally binding “Plastics Treaty”—governance faces threefold dilemmas: multi-scenario complexity, transboundary liability attribution challenges, and insufficient long-term incentives due to intergenerational harm. China, as a proactive participant in global governance, has implemented a comprehensive approach to marine plastic pollution. Key actions include advancing scientific research on microplastic impacts, establishing a nationwide multi-dimensional monitoring network, and enacting policies for full lifecycle management of plastics. As marine plastic pollution governance transitions into a new global phase, China is evolving from a “rule-taker” to a “rule-maker,” advocating for institutional innovation and equitable global collaboration. By refining domestic policies, sharing best practices, and fostering international partnerships, China aims to contribute its solutions to achieving a sustainable marine ecosystem, aligning with the vision of a global community with a shared future for humanity. This shift underscores China’s strategic role in shaping a cohesive and effective global governance framework to address one of the planet’s most pressing environmental crises.