The obligation to exchange views within the UNCLOS did not play its systematic role. The disputing parties are uncertain about the scope, mode, and standard of the obligation to exchange views, with adjudicators demonstrating their subjective tendencies. The low threshold of the provisional jurisdiction of maritime disputes, the emergence of jurisdiction over hybrid disputes, and the congenital deficiency of the dispute settlement mechanism of the UNCLOS address the obligation to exchange views which has not fully reflected the initial legislative intention and aim of the UNCLOS. The South China Sea Arbitration initiated by the Philippines demonstrates that the obligation to exchange views may be perfected and improved, to some extent, by enhancing the parties’ obligation of disclosure and the tribunal’s obligation of review. Where relevant unilateral or bilateral agreements exist regulating such type of disputes before the disputing parties initiate the compulsory arbitration procedure of the UNCLOS, the obligation to exchange views should be conducted with sufficient regard for the existence of such agreement.

On December 27, 2017, the 31st session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People’s Congress passed the Vessel Tonnage Tax Law of the People’s Republic of China. China’s Vessel Tonnage Tax Law has basically maintained the stability of the vessel tonnage tax collection system and accorded with the basic national conditions of China’s shipping industry. The system established by China’s Vessel Tonnage Tax Law is basically a traditional vessel tonnage tax system, which is different from those implemented by many other countries. This paper explores the reason why China chooses to implement the vessel tonnage tax system and evaluates the policy within a certain scope and from a certain angle. It also examines the shortcomings of China’s vessel tonnage tax system as well as the burden brought by it to the shipping enterprises and puts forward countermeasures and suggestions for reforming and perfecting the vessel tonnage tax system in China.

On February 26, 2016, PRC Law on the Exploration and Development of Resources in Deep Seabed Areas was adopted. As a landmark marine legislation, this law was formulated in line with the UNCLOS, the Rules of the International Seabed Authority, and the PRC Constitution. It opened a brand new era of marine development and utilization for China under the strategic background of maritime power. Facing the limitation and challenges about the ecosystem and risk prevention brought about by the UNCLOS and the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992, the maritime powers around the world, including China, have been making domestic legislation on the exploitation and protection of seabed resources beyond national jurisdiction. This paper introduces China’s policy for the exploitation and development of the ‘Areas’ in accordance with the UNCLOS, and makes a further interpretation on China’s related domestic legislations and practice.