Towards a mandatory port state control system in the South China Sea

This chapter provides a proposal about strengthening the port state control system in the South China Sea area, which might improve the protection of the marine environment without worsening sovereign disputes among littoral states. First, an international legal basis for the port state control is described. Secondly, China’s practice on the prevention of vessel-source pollution in the South China Sea as a flag state and port state is discussed. Thirdly, the EU’s experience with port state control is introduced. Then, it is proposed that a strengthened port state control system could be established in the South China Sea. Moreover, it argues that China could play a lead role in establishing a mandatory port state control system.