Border patrol police in China's southernmost province of Hainan on Tuesday were given the power to embark on and check ships which illegally enter its waters.

The police can land on, check, seize and expel foreign ships illegally entering the island province's sea areas, according to a newly revised maritime regulation enacted by the Standing Committee of Hainan Provincial People's Congress.

"Hainan border police are entitled to use these measures to stop the illegally entering ships or to force them into changing or reversing course," it said.

The regulation defines six practices of illegal activities of foreign ships or crews. These include illegal landing on the islands under the jurisdiction of Hainan, damaging the coastal defense facilities or facilities for production and living, and carrying out publicity campaigns that endanger China's national security.