The Civil Aviation Administration of China recently released an amendment draft for the purpose of soliciting public opinions. The draft stipulates that cellphones and several other electronic devices will be strictly prohibited in civil aircraft. For serious cases, the maximum penalty would be raised to 50,000 yuan (approximately $7,500).

Apart from using mobile phones, a number of other activities--including smoking, carrying illegal weapons and intentionally injuring other passengers or personnel--are also prohibited.

Several incidents of passengers willfully using their mobile phones while in the air have been previously reported, raising concerns over aviation safety. According to civil aviation experts, cellphone signals can interfere with the frequency of airplanes' navigation equipment and operation systems, which can potentially endanger the lives of those on board.

The draft clarifies civil aviation security regulations with a 10-article chapter, enabling air marshals to contain security threats and protect the safety of passengers and their property.

In addition to the above restrictions, hijacking aircraft, forced entry into aircraft, disseminating false information, sabotaging aircraft facilities or equipment and other disruptive behaviors are all punishable with a maximum fine of 50,000 yuan as well as possible criminal charges.