Proposed Changes to China’s Maritime Safety Law and Compliance with UNCLOS

China has recently decided to revise its own maritime safety law. According to the newly revised law, foreign submarines have to travel on the water while they are in the Chinese water. At the same time, they have to report their movements and activities to the Chinese authorities as well.

In the month of December China had a dispute with the United States as a U.S underwater drone was caught by the Chinese naval in the disputed South China sea. Though China and the U.S both have sorted out the issue and china have returned the underwater drone to the U.S as well.

According to the new law, foreign submarines have to travel on the water while they are passing by the territory of Chinese water at the same time, they have to show their national flag as well.The newly revised law also allows the Chinese naval or maritime authorities to stop any kind of foreign ships or submarines if they think that the submarine can be harmful to the country.

As stated by the Reuters, South China sea is one of the most disputed areas near the Republic of China and China claims a major part of that sea. There are few submarines and ships were caught in that area by the Chinese officials. Therefore, in order to strengthen the area, China is looking to construct few artificial island and it will definitely boost up the military presence. There are some other countries who are in dispute with China regarding the South China sea issue. Countries like Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam have disputes over the South China sea as the sea is full of fishing grounds and oil and gas resources.

According to the Chinese naval officials, the new law will help to control the international ships and submarines. At the same time, it will help the ships and submarines to pass through right passages.

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South China Sea