China Streamlines Maritime Law Enforcement Amid Island Disputes

China brought the law-enforcement arms of its maritime agencies under one body, a move aimed at protecting the country’s interests as it presses territorial claims in the East and South China Seas.

The State Oceanic Administration will oversee the coast guard, fisheries law-enforcement and the smuggling police, which now fall under separate ministries, a report to the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature, said yesterday. The administration also has a law enforcement arm.