China Established Its Own Maritime Centre in South China Sea

Beijing is locked in disputes with its neighbours over claims in the resource-rich South China Sea.  Tensions raised in recent months over China’s aggressive land reclamation.

China has said it is setting set up its own international maritime “judicial centre” to handle territorial disputes.

The top court gave few details in its announcement, but said the centre would help China become a “maritime power”.

It has also squared off with Japan over the Diaoyu or Senkaku islands.