Hainan border police given new powers

Border police in South China's island province of Hainan have been empowered to board and check ships that illegally enter waters under Hainan's jurisdiction, according to regulation passed on Tuesday.

The regulation, passed by the Hainan People's Congress, states that the province's border patrol police can board or seize foreign ships that illegally enter its waters, or order these ships to change course or stop sailing.

The regulation also stipulates six illegal activities of foreign ships or crews, such as illegal landing on islands under the province's jurisdiction, damaging coastal defense facilities, and carrying out publicity campaigns endangering the country's security.

If foreign ships or crews violate the regulation, police have the right to take over the ships and their communication facilities, the regulation states.

It also emphasizes that border police should strengthen the patrol of the waters off Sansha city and coordinate activities with the routine patrols of the South China Sea to protect the country's maritime interests.