China clamps new rules to regulate foreign ships in its waters

China on Sunday notified new maritime rules to regulate foreign ships in its waters, which may lead to increased tensions if Beijing strictly enforces them in the disputed South China Sea and the Taiwan straits.

In a bid to regulate foreign ships, China on Sunday notified new maritime rules warranting vessels carrying radioactive materials, bulk oil, chemicals and a host of other supplies to report the details of the cargos upon their entry into Chinese waters. The new rules are expected to increase tensions if China strictly enforces them in the disputed South China Sea and the Taiwan straits where the US and its allies have been conducting naval expeditions, challenging Beijing’s claims to assert the freedom of navigation.