2010-04-07 10:00

BEIJING - Oceanographic data about China's territorial waters and waters under Chinese jurisdiction can be provided to foreign entities only after approval by administrative authorities, a draft regulation made public Tuesday said.

Oceanographic surveys of Chinese waters by foreign entities will also require approval from China's relevant administrative authorities and shall be jointly conducted with a Chinese partner, the draft said.

Violation of the regulations will incur fines of up to 500,000 yuan ($73,500) or criminal penalties in serious cases, the draft said.

The draft regulations on oceanic observation and forecast are available on the official website of the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, www.chinalaw.gov.cn.

Local governments' official oceanic forecast organs should release oceanic weather forecasts and disaster warnings in a timely manner, the draft regulations said.

Failure to release timely and accurate warnings and forecasts may be subject to administrative or criminal punishment.

Those who release false warnings and forecasts may also be subject to punishment.

The draft regulations also set out the technical and procedural standards for oceanic observation and forecast.

The public is invited to comment on the draft regulation until April 26 through online postings, e-mail or letter.