BEIJING - The Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Tuesday issued a regulation of judicial interpretation to clarify China's jurisdiction over its territorial seas.

The explanation provides clear legal basis for China to safeguard maritime order, marine safety and interests, and to exercise integrated management over the country's jurisdictional seas, said an SPC statement.

The regulation, taking effect on Tuesday, stated that Chinese citizens or foreigners would be pursued criminal liability if they were engaged in illegal hunting or fishing, or killing endangered wildlife in China's jurisdictional seas.