TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan has criticised China’s attempt to impose traffic-control measures on ships entering the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, calling the move “ridiculous” and saying Beijing has no authority to restrict access to international waters.
- Taipei rejected China’s traffic-control order issued ahead of Typhoon Dolphin.
- Taiwan said Beijing has no right to restrict navigation through international waters.
- Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had detected no abnormal movements by Chinese vessels.
- Typhoon Dolphin is expected to reach China’s east coast late Saturday or early Sunday.
Taiwan rejects China’s shipping restrictions
China announced traffic-control measures for vessels heading into the Taiwan Strait as Typhoon Dolphin approached the region.
Chinese state media said on Wednesday that ships travelling north through the southern entrance of the strait would have to follow traffic-control measures beginning Thursday night.
According to the announcement, vessels were instructed to comply with safety requirements, select safe waters in which to shelter from the storm and follow directions from maritime management authorities at the scene.
Taipei strongly objects to Beijing’s move
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council strongly criticised the Chinese announcement in a statement issued late Friday.
“The unreasonable and crude statement by the relevant Chinese Communist departments reflects an ignorance, disregard, and trampling of international order and norms. It is utterly ridiculous!”
The council also said Taiwan’s internal affairs did not require intervention from Beijing.
The dispute comes as Typhoon Dolphin moves through the region, with the storm expected to make landfall on China’s eastern coast late Saturday or early Sunday.
Taiwan Coast Guard reports no abnormal Chinese activity
In a separate statement issued at the same time, Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had not detected any “abnormal movements” by Chinese vessels in the area.
The agency also said no shipping companies had reported being subjected to “broadcast interference”.
The Coast Guard advised merchant and cargo vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait to disregard any Chinese broadcast demands they might receive and immediately report such incidents.
It said it would take all necessary measures to protect freedom and safety of navigation.
Dispute centres on control of the Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait is a major maritime route through which billions of dollars of trade move each year. China claims the strategically important waterway, while both Taipei and Washington reject Beijing’s claim.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claim and maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide the island’s future.
Typhoon adds pressure to a sensitive maritime area
The latest disagreement has emerged as Typhoon Dolphin approaches China’s eastern coast. The storm is tracking north of Taiwan and is expected to make landfall late Saturday or early Sunday.
China’s military operates in the Taiwan Strait on an almost daily basis, according to the supplied Reuters report, adding to the sensitivity surrounding maritime activity in the area.
For now, Taiwan’s Coast Guard says it has not observed abnormal movements by Chinese vessels, while Taipei has made clear that it does not accept Beijing’s attempt to impose the reported traffic-control measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did China issue traffic-control measures for the Taiwan Strait?
China announced the measures because of the approaching Typhoon Dolphin. Chinese state media said vessels entering the strait should follow maritime safety instructions and seek safe waters to shelter from the storm.
What did Taiwan’s Coast Guard say about Chinese vessels?
Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had not detected any abnormal movements by Chinese vessels and that shipping companies had not reported broadcast interference.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is expected to remain on Typhoon Dolphin as it moves towards China’s eastern coast. Taiwan’s authorities have also said they will monitor maritime activity and take measures they consider necessary to protect navigation safety.
The broader disagreement over control and access to the Taiwan Strait remains unresolved, with Beijing and Taipei holding opposing positions over sovereignty and maritime authority.
