China has warned of penalties against foreigners caught violating its sovereignty over its territorial seas, including the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). State-run Xinhua news agency reported that the Chinese Supreme Court had issued a regulation stating that foreigners, as well as Chinese citizens, will be pursued for criminal liability if they engage in "illegal hunting or fishing or killing endangered wildlife in China's jurisdictional seas." It said the regulation, which took effect on Tuesday, provides a clear legal basis for China to safeguard maritime order, marine safety and interests, and to exercise integrated management over the country’s jurisdictional seas.

Delizo, M. J. (2016, August 3). China warns of penalties vs foreigners in West PH Sea. Manila Times, pp. A1, A8.