Fishing rules are 'normal practice'

Foreign vessels need permission to enter Hainan waters since Jan 1

Hainan province's demand that foreign fishing vessels entering its waters seek China's approval is a normal practice, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, refuting reports that it reflects Beijing's tougher stance on territorial disputes.

"The goal is to strengthen the security of fisheries resources and to reasonably utilize and exploit them," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular news conference when asked about the rules.