What does the law say about vehicles turning right when the traffic light is red?

That's a great question - I drive in Kunming, but am forever asking my local-born shotgun wife "Is this one of the crossroads where I can keep going, to turn right?". Her answer, "I don't know - just go slowly". There MUST be a rule??

"You're always allowed to turn right at your own risk and responsibility" was what I was going to write, but the more I think about it the more I doubt myself. I've been driving for 2 years now and I turn right no matter if there's a dedicated arrow or not,, just like the Chinese do. I do know that pedestrians -in theory- have the right of way when you're turning and encounter them in the zebra crossing, although I believe many Chinese drivers aren't aware of that or just don't care.

What's the law though? What happens if the light is green for you and red for me, but I decide to turn right, making an obstruction for you, which might result in an accident or fatality? Also, is the law distinctive for different types of vehicle?

@Dan
I think the same as you. The only exception being if there is a no turn right sign, but the road engineering usually makes it almost impossible to turn right in these instances.

Along the same lines,,,

If you are coming to a T intersection, with the turn to the left than you can go straight on through a red light, unless its a red Arrow.

I can't remember the text on the exam questions, but I think it goes something like,, approaching a right turn you can turn right through the red light,,reducing speed and giving way to pedestrians and cars,,,

However we all know how it really is,,,

BTW on an unrelated topic,,if you are riding a bike and have a crash cause someone opens their car door in front of you, remember to tell the police that you were hit by the door,,otherwise its your own problem.