China Intensifies Maritime Crime Crackdown and Judicial Enhancements

China has been actively ramping up its fight against maritime crimes and bolstering judicial mechanisms to secure its coastal defense and strengthen its maritime power. Last year, authorities addressed over 14,000 maritime-related criminal cases and tackled more than 20,000 coastal risk hazards, ensuring increased stability and security along the nation's extensive and intricate coastline.

In a coordinated effort involving police departments, fishery administrations, and coast guards, a specialized campaign was launched during the marine fishing moratorium from May to October. This initiative led to the resolution of 474 cases of illegal fishing and the seizure of over 1,700 metric tons of fishery products, demonstrating a concerted effort to protect maritime resources.

Authorities also conducted thorough inspections of shipping companies, maritime agencies, docks, ports, and islands, removing over 6,100 potential risks and preemptively issuing more than 1,700 hazard notices. By integrating advanced technologies, local police have developed intelligent defense systems that cover ports, coastlines, waterways, and islands, addressing vulnerabilities in remote landing areas.

Supplementing these on-ground efforts, the nationwide implementation of technology-driven programs has streamlined procedures for ship registration, port entry and exit reporting, and rights protection. Over 16,000 police officers participated in 401 maritime rescue operations, helping save lives and assist vessels in distress, further highlighting the comprehensive nature of China's maritime security measures.

Parallel to the crackdown on offenses, legislative and judicial reforms have been intensified in maritime case adjudication. The adoption of the Coast Guard Law in January 2021 underscores the nation’s commitment to protecting maritime sovereignty, resources, and the marine environment. Additionally, the Supreme People's Court recorded a dramatic increase in maritime lawsuits heard—from just 18 in 1984 to over 29,000 in 2023—reflecting not only the evolution in maritime operations but also the substantial growth in judicial capacity and expertise in handling diverse maritime issues.