Author(s)

Xiaoqing Ma ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ School of Law, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, 730030, Gansu, China

Corresponding Author

Xiaoqing Ma

ABSTRACT

The UNCLOS systematically defines the rights and obligations of coastal states in their territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and the high seas. However, with the intensification of conflicts over fishery resources, freedom of navigation for warships, and maritime delimitation, how coastal states safeguard their maritime rights and interests through effective law enforcement has become a focus of international attention. While the use of force as a means of law enforcement is direct and efficient, it also carries with it complexity and high risks, easily triggering international disputes and even endangering regional security. Therefore, striking a balance between legitimacy and necessity is a core issue in maritime law enforcement.

KEYWORDS

Maritime law enforcement; Use of force; International law regulation

CITE THIS PAPER

Xiaoqing Ma. The Use of Force in Maritime Law Enforcement: Between International Law and State Practice. Science of Law Journal (2026). Vol. 5, No. 2, 64-69. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/DOI: 10.23977/law.2026.050210.

REFERENCES

[1] Pei Z. Transplantation and Localization of the China Coast Guard System in the New Era. Social Science Journal, (5), 116,2020. 
[2] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Art. 27. Criminal Jurisdiction on Board a Foreign Ship,1982.
[3] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Arts. 110–111. Right of visit; Right of hot pursuit, 1982.
[4] Zhao, L. Commentary on the M/V Saiga case of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. China and Foreign Law Review, (6), 114, 1999.
[5] Lu, W. Research on the use of force in maritime law enforcement. Pacific Journal, 21(5), 4, 2013.
[6] Gao, J. Research on the use of force in maritime law enforcement. Studies in Law and Business, (4), 29, 2009.

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