Maritime law beefed up

China's maritime authority has beefed up its law enforcement capabilities in order to further protect the country's oceanic rights and interests, according to an official document unveiled on Tuesday.

The document includes a rule regarding the duties and functions of the State Oceanic Administration (SOA). The SOA was restructured earlier this year along with several other departments.

The rule, recently approved by the State Council, highlights the SOA's expanded duties concerning law enforcement and the protection of maritime rights.

The maritime police command, a department under the SOA, will be tasked with commanding and deploying marine police officers, according to the rule.

The three branches of the maritime police have a total of 11 corps across China's coastal provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

The SOA is responsible for conducting law enforcement activities in waters that are under Chinese jurisdiction, the rule says. Safeguarding maritime boundaries and dealing with criminal activity on the sea are among the SOA's designated duties.

The rule also says the administration is responsible for guarding the safety of key maritime areas and coping with emergencies.

Global Times - Xinhua