Tsunami triggers alert bells for ocean

BEIJING - The massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami that slammed into Japan's northeast coast has triggered alarm bells in China, where work is being undertaken to develop a marine economy.

In April 2010, the State Council designated three regional ocean economic zones, in Shandong, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, as pilot zones for the development of China's marine economy.

Song Junji, an official in charge of establishing the Shandong Peninsula Ocean Economic Zone, said the zones should be equipped with early warning and emergency response systems.