On December 30, 2020, the China Coast Guard held an interview focused on maritime law enforcement. Directors Zhang Chunru and Liu Dejun from the Law Enforcement Department highlighted the Coast Guard’s achievements throughout the year, detailing major operations and the effectiveness of their enforcement strategies.
Zhang Jun, the Coast Guard’s spokesperson, opened the session by noting significant progress in the agency’s transformation. The China Coast Guard, as a national administrative body, is responsible for safeguarding maritime rights and enforcing the law at sea. This includes establishing a comprehensive network of agencies across China’s coastal regions, empowered by a decision from the National People’s Congress in 2018 that authorized the Coast Guard to fight maritime crimes and ensure safety and resource management.
In 2020, the China Coast Guard executed various special operations aimed at protecting marine ecology, curbing smuggling, and enforcing fishing regulations. Key initiatives included the “Blue Sea 2020” operation, which targeted environmental violations; “Flashing Sword 2020,” which reinforced compliance during the summer fishing moratorium; and anti-smuggling operations like “National Sword 2020” and “Two Strikes, Two Controls.” During these operations, the Coast Guard tackled illegal fishing practices, environmental hazards, and smuggling of drugs and goods, leading to the resolution of numerous cases, including a substantial drug trafficking bust that seized nearly one ton of narcotics.
Chief of Staff Zhang Chunru elaborated on the year’s law enforcement performance, noting the Coast Guard’s proactive approach, which included addressing public concerns and engaging in disaster relief efforts. They responded to over 9,600 maritime alarms and solved 774 criminal cases. Notably, efforts to combat drug-related crimes saw significant results, such as closing down major trafficking rings.
Zhang Chunru disclosed that the Coast Guard prioritized standardizing law enforcement protocols, developing training programs for staff, and enhancing operational transparency. Collaboration with other agencies was emphasized, highlighting methods to streamline command and ensure coordinated responses to maritime threats.
Deputy Chief of Staff Liu Dejun shared insights into the specific operations conducted in 2020, revealing the Coast Guard’s response to illegal activities through rigorous inspections and crackdowns. The focus was on high-value targets like smuggling syndicates and illegal fishing operations, which often threaten maritime integrity and security.
Challenges remained, such as illegal sea sand mining and the need to adapt to COVID-19’s implications for maritime law enforcement. The Coast Guard introduced measures to prevent the importation of the virus through illegal activities at sea.
In conclusion, the China Coast Guard’s operations in 2020 demonstrated a comprehensive strategy focusing on law enforcement, environmental protection, and public safety, reflecting an ongoing commitment to maintain maritime order and security amidst various challenges. As the agency aims to strengthen its capabilities, future operations will likely continue to adapt to evolving maritime threats and public needs.
