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Xi Jinping tells coastguard to enforce law, ‘resolutely defend’ territorial sovereignty, while on East China Sea visit
- Chinese president makes remarks in visit to command office for East China Sea, says they must crack down on criminal activities and safeguard maritime economy
- This comes after Chinese coastguard had several run-ins in South China Sea with neighbouring countries
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President Xi Jinping has called on the coastguard to enforce China’s laws and “resolutely defend” its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
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Xi made the remarks when he visited the coastguard’s command office for the East China Sea in Shanghai on Wednesday.
It comes after the Chinese coastguard has had several run-ins with neighbouring countries over disputed waters in the South China Sea, putting its activities in the region in the international spotlight.
“The coastguard must effectively safeguard our rights, enforce our laws, and resolutely defend our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Xi said, according to a report on state broadcaster CCTV on Friday.
What’s behind the South China Sea dispute?
He told the coastguard officers to “grasp how to properly build and use the maritime policing forces”.
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The coastguard is part of the People’s Armed Police paramilitary force, and under the direct command of the Central Military Commission chaired by Xi.
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