China can detain foreigners for trespassing in disputed South China Sea
This photo shows the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, in the contested Spratly Islands, South China Sea. Photograph:( Reuters )
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From Saturday, the Chinese Coast Guard can detain foreigners "suspected of violating management of border entry and exit," the rules state.
From Saturday, the Chinese Coast Guard can detain foreigners "suspected of violating management of border entry and exit," the rules state.
China can now detain foreigners for trespassing in the disputed South China Sea, as per new rules introduced by the country's coast guard on Saturday (June 15), the news agency AFP reported. From Saturday, the Chinese Coast Guard can detain foreigners "suspected of violating management of border entry and exit," the rules state.
The rules add that detention is allowed up to 60 days in "complicated cases."
"Foreign ships that have illegally entered China's territorial waters and the adjacent waters may be detained," they further state.
China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, brushing aside competing claims from several Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, and an international ruling that its stance has no legal basis.
Also read | Philippines asserts security independence amid South China Sea tensions
Over the years, Beijing has deployed coast guard and other boats to patrol the waters and has turned several reefs into militarised artificial islands.
The G7 criticism
The new regulations by the Chinese Coast Guard came into force as the G7 accused Beijing of intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea. On Friday, the G7 criticised what it called "dangerous" incursions by China in the South China Sea.
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"We oppose China's militarisation, and coercive and intimidation activities in the South China Sea," the G7 said in a statement.
China defends new rules
China has defended the detention rules. Recently, a foreign ministry spokesperson said that the rules were intended to "better uphold order at sea." Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun, meanwhile, warned that there were limits to Beijing's restraint in the South China Sea.
The South China Sea is a vital waterway. The recent confrontations between China and the Philippines have raised fears of a wider conflict over the sea that could involve the United States (US) and other allies.
(With inputs from agencies)
