Navigation of foreign vessels within China's jurisdictional waters

From ancient times, navigation at sea has been an essential channel of communication and transport among nations. The emergence and development of the law of the sea itself rested with the navigation at sea. The principle of the freedom of the seas has been universally recognized as one of the fundamental principles in international law and practiced by States since the late 18th century. However, with the expansion of national jurisdiction over sea areas, the freedom of navigation has been challenged and navigational rights of foreign vessels are subject to the laws and regulations of coastal States. China, as a big maritime country, has formulated a set of rules and regulations governing navigation of foreign vessels within China's jurisdictional waters. This article attempts to review and assess China's legislation and practice in this respect in the context of international law of the sea.