Because inexact earthquake warnings may panic the public, the China Earthquake Administration is regulating the earthquake warning information issue, explaining the legal responsibilities for publishing information.

According to China's Law on Response to Contingencies, adopted in 2007, when the risks of disaster increases, governments above county level should issue an alert.

But there is no regulation on the details of issuing warnings, including who should release the information and the legal responsibilities, according to the China Earthquake Administration.