China claims a U-shaped swathe of the South China Sea, which it puts under the authority of Hainan province. This swathe overlaps areas also claimed by several South East Asian nations. The move comes with tensions already high over China's recent establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that covers islands claimed and controlled by Japan, and a rock claimed by South Korea.
It also comes as China takes an increasingly assertive stance on its territorial claims across Asia.
The provincial government in November passed the rules - which require foreign vessels to obtain permission to fish or survey fisheries resources in waters administered by Hainan from the "relevant" department of China's State Council, China Daily said.
Under existing national law, unauthorized boats that enter Chinese waters can be fined and have their equipment seized.
The Philippines said earlier this week it was seeking clarification from China on the issue. Taiwan says it does not recognize the rules. Vietnam, in a written statement to Reuters news agency, said: "All foreign activities at these areas without Vietnam's acceptance are illegal and groundless."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com