Beijing, August 2: Raising its pitch over tensions on the disputed South China Sea, China Tuesday called for preparations for a “people’s war at sea” to counter offshore security threats while its top court warned foreigners of criminal liability for violations of its maritime rights.
Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan has warned of offshore security threats and called for substantial preparation for a “people’s war at sea” to safeguard sovereignty. Speaking during an inspection of national defence work in coastal regions of east China’s Zhejiang Province, Chang called for recognition of the seriousness of the national security situation, especially the threat from the sea, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Chang said the military, police and people should prepare for mobilisation to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. His comments followed verdict of international tribunal July 12 that struck down China’s claims over the South China Sea and raised tensions between China and Japan over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. Two days ago while addressing a reception to celebrate 89th founding anniversary of the 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China said it will “staunchly” protect the country’s maritime rights and interests and is “fully confident and capable of addressing various security threats and provocations”.
The PLA will “unswervingly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests including territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests,” Chang had said. “It will always stand ready to be called upon and be able to fight and win,” he said. Meanwhile, China’s Supreme Court today issued a regulation to reaffirm its jurisdiction over the country’s territorial seas and warned Chinese and foreigners of criminal liability for violations like illegal fishing, Xinhua reported.
The explanation provides clear legal basis for China to safeguard maritime order, marine safety and interests, and to exercise integrated management over the country’s jurisdictional seas, it quoted a statement by Supreme People’s Court (SPC) as saying. The regulation, taking effect Tuesday, stated that Chinese citizens or foreigners would be pursued criminal liability if they were engaged in illegal hunting or fishing, or killing endangered wildlife in China’s jurisdictional seas.
