Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the contiguous zone. Country/Territory China Document type Legislation Date 1992 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Foreign-Related Laws and Regulations of the P.R.C., CD-rom, Bureau of Legislative Affairs of the People's Republic of China. Subject Sea Keyword Maritime zone Territorial sea Navigation Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Enforcement/compliance International organization Research Authorization/permit Sovereignty Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, East Asian Seas, Eastern Asia, North Pacific, North-West Pacific Entry into force notes The Law shall enter into force on the date of promulgation (25 February 1992). Abstract The breadth of the territorial sea of the People's Republic of China is 12 nautical miles, measured from the baseline of the territorial sea (art. 3). The contiguous zone is the sea belt adjacent to and beyond the territorial sea (art. 4). Article 2 lists all the archipelagos and islands over which the People's Republic of China exercises its sovereignty. According to the provisions of article 6, foreign non-military ships shall enjoy the right of innocent passage; military foreign ships shall be subject to approval by the Government for entering the territorial sea. Foreign ships passing through the territorial sea must comply with the laws and regulations in force. All international organizations, foreign organizations or individuals must obtain approval from the Government for carrying out scientific research or other activities in the territorial sea. Further provisions concern the enforcement of this Law by the competent authorities of China. Full text English Website www.un.org References - Legislation Implemented by Statement of the Chinese Government on the baseline of the Territorial Sea of the People's Republic of China. Legislation | China | 1996 Keyword: Territorial sea, Maritime zone, Classification/declassification, Enforcement/compliance, Sovereignty Source: FAO, FAOLEX