China Coast Guard Procedures fully legitimate

Establishing, improving and perfecting a legal system for maritime governance are necessary measures to establish a sound maritime order. Accordingly, to implement maritime laws, the China Coast Guard recently issued the "Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures for Coast Guard Institutions" (referred to as Coast Guard Procedures).

The Coast Guard Procedures are aimed at regulating maritime law enforcement, providing a solid institutional guarantee for advancing maritime legal governance. Recently, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, claiming China's Coast Guard Procedures violate international law. This is a typical case of "a thief crying thief", because the Coast Guard Procedures comply with international law and customary practices.

The Coast Guard Procedures are an important component of China's policy to improve regional maritime governance and uphold the rule of law. The procedures are applicable to China's jurisdictional waters and airspace in line with international legal norms, and do not constitute "rule-making beyond jurisdiction".