![Coast Guards' Role in the South China Sea – The Diplomat](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/sizes/td-story-s-2/thediplomat_2015-07-29_17-26-23.jpg)
BY SUMATHY PERMAL | MARCH 1, 2021
AMTI UPDATE
Beijing’s South China Sea moves have ramped up with the passing of a law allowing the China Coast Guard (CCG) to fire on what it identifies as illegal foreign vessels in waters under its jurisdiction. By virtue of China’s nine-dash line claim, this law applies to the entire South China Sea. Given that China’s claims are opposed by other South China Sea claimants as well as numerous non-claimant countries, the law has proven controversial and raises concerns over whether it will increase the risk of confrontation and conflict in the disputed waters.