Whether the Chinese authorities can or will enforce the new policy, however, remains a question, the American official said.

Local authorities enforce strict laws against the possession and use of energy weapons.

The authorities had not, however, enforced the regulations very strictly.

Nevertheless, local authorities may enforce the law as it stands.

Another problem is that no agency, including the Department of Labor, has the authority or resources to enforce the law.

At this point the authorities stepped in and enforced a cease-fire between the groups.

Some say that they lack the authority to make arrests and enforce the law.

It remains to be seen whether the authorities will enforce this court order.

But it proves difficult, if not impossible, for the authorities to enforce the Act.

The result: the authorities enforced a rule of "unload or we won't let you through".