The use of force in maritime law enforcement is an issue that has to be clarified and resolved after the integration of Chinese maritime law enforcement forces. Issues related to this question include the applicable conditions, principles, and continuums on the use of force. In an effort to provide useful references for the organizational building of the China Coast Guard (CCG), this article puts forward its own opinions on the aforementioned issues in view of the current tasks and equipment allocation of the CCG, and the particularities of maritime law enforcement activities, which are based on an analysis of the policies of the United States Coast Guard on the use of force and the principles for use of force by law enforcement officers home and abroad.