Achievements and Experience of the China Coast Guard in Marine Environmental Supervision

Authors

  • Jinlong Feng School of Law, Wuzhou University, Wuzhou City; South China Sea Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen City, China Author

Keywords:

China Coast Guard, marine environmental protection, law enforcement and supervision, Governance effects, governance experience

Abstract

The ocean acts as a blue resource bank that sustains humanity's long-term development, and marine ecological protection stands as a key task to build China into a maritime power and meet the standards of ecological civilization construction. The China Coast Guard (CCG) is an armed force granted unified national responsibilities for safeguarding maritime rights and carrying out law enforcement at sea. After several rounds of institutional adjustments, it has grown into the core law enforcement body for marine environmental oversight within China. This paper first sorts out the CCG's institutional development history and its statutory duties over marine ecological control. It sums up the current results of supervision work from four angles: law enforcement intensity, governance of key sectors, emergency handling capacity, and the rollout of public interest litigation. Four core practical experiences are also summarized: prioritizing legislation, technological backing, multi-party coordination, and cross-border cooperation. From real-world operations, through special law enforcement campaigns and the construction of an integrated land-sea-air supervision network supported by multiple collaborative mechanisms, the CCG has greatly cut down the number of marine environmental violations. Coastal waters, including the Bohai Sea and the South China Sea, have seen obvious ecological improvements, pushing steady upgrades to the overall health of China's marine ecosystems. The country's governance practices also offer viable Chinese approaches for marine environmental management across the globe.

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Published

2026-07-13

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