The disappearance of the State Oceanic Administration in China?-Current developments

摘要

In 2018, the Chinese government experienced an enormous institutional reconstruction. According to, The State Council's Proposal for Reviewing the Reform Scheme of the State Council's Institutions, the Ministry of Land and Resources, State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geographic Information, were no longer retained and the Ministry of Natural Resources was established, within which, the function of SOA is maintained. It is perceived that the function of SOA has been incorporated into the Ministry of Natural Resources and no longer exists as an independent, institutional entity. Against this background, this paper discussed the current developments from the following aspects, namely, maritime rights protection, administrative law enforcement, maritime rights protection decision-making system. This change is expected to bring more integration in terms of law enforcement at the sea. Its outcome, however, remains subject to further observation.