Abstract The recent promulgation of China's offshore petroleum regulations has attracted worldwide attention. The law is of particular importance to foreign investors due to possible massive involvement of foreign interests in China's biggest oil venture. However, the success of this multi‐billion‐dollar offshore oil development program hinges on a single issue: to what extent does China have the sovereign rights over its offshore mineral resources? The aim of the present paper is to: (1) Review China's position on the continental shelf regime; (2) Discuss China's maritime boundary problems with its coastal neighbors in light of the new law of the sea; (3) Analyze China's options under the status quo in the region; and (4) Note briefly China's oil development policy based on the new offshore regulations.