Beijing on Tuesday announced penalties for “illegal” fishing in its waters, including those it claims in the South China Sea weeks after an international tribunal ruled that those claims have no legal basis. The Supreme Court defined penalties for boats operating in areas, including the disputed region and its contiguous economic zones, in a move that could raise regional tensions. The decision appears to be an attempt to strengthen Chinese rules governing the waters, with a focus on sanctions for illegal fishing.

Fabunan, S. S. D. (2016, August 3). China warns: Penalties imposed on illegal fishing. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.