China’s coast guard to detain ‘trespassers’
(UPDATE) CHINA has empowered its coast guard to detain foreigners “illegally” sailing into parts of the South China Sea it claims as part of its territory, according to media reports.
The new regulation, which was reported by the Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post, takes effect in June.
The regulation was issued days after a fleet of civilian boats sailed into the Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal to deliver fuel and food to Filipino fishermen there.
Bajo de Masinloc is within the West Philippine Sea, although Beijing also claims ownership of the shoal.
Under the ruling, trespassers can be held for up to 60 days without trial.
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In a press briefing, China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin stressed that Beijing has indisputable sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and the waters around it.
Wang said China had made a gesture of goodwill in 2016 by allowing a limited number of Filipino fishermen to enter the shoal.
“If the Philippines abuses China’s goodwill and infringes upon China’s territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction, we will defend our rights and take countermeasures under the law. Relevant responsibilities and consequences
