TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The Coast Guard Administration has tightened reviews of applications by staff to visit China as a result of Chinese coast guard intrusions into restricted waters, reports said Tuesday.

The rules were adjusted on June 23, but travel to China is still possible if applications receive a positive response, the administration said. Staff, except basic soldiers and employed workers, have to apply for permission to visit China for family visits, funerals, or airport transits and submit relevant documents, per CNA.

The Coast Guard officers will only be allowed to travel to China if they receive a positive response when their application is reviewed by the anti-corruption department and by the Ministry of Interior. The new rules apply to serving Coast Guard officers and those who have been retired for less than three years.

The administration said it has become an important target of Chinese intelligence gathering activities.