'Utterly ridiculous': Taipei slams China's Taiwan Strait traffic controls amid Typhoon Dolphin

Taipei has condemned China’s decision to impose traffic control measures on vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, saying Beijing has no right to regulate access to international waters. The response came after Chinese authorities announced restrictions for ships travelling through the strategic waterway.

According to Chinese state media, vessels heading north through the southern entrance of the Taiwan Strait have been required to follow traffic control measures from Thursday night due to the approach of Typhoon Dolphin.

Authorities said all ships must comply with the requirements, move to safe waters where necessary and follow instructions issued by maritime management officials to ensure safety at sea.

China, which regards democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, also claims the Taiwan Strait, a major international shipping route carrying billions of dollars in trade each year. Both Taipei and Washington reject that claim.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s authority

Responding late on Friday, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council criticised Beijing’s move.

“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 said in a statement.

“Taiwan’s own affairs need no meddling from the Chinese Communists,” it added.

Coast Guard tells ships to ignore broadcasts

In a separate statement issued at the same time, Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had not observed any “abnormal movements” by Chinese vessels and that no shipping companies had reported “broadcast interference”.

The Coast Guard advised merchant and cargo ships travelling through the area to disregard any broadcast demands issued by Chinese authorities and immediately report such incidents. It also said it would take all necessary measures to safeguard freedom and safety of navigation.

Typhoon approaches China’s east coast

Typhoon Dolphin is forecast to pass north of Taiwan before making landfall on China’s east coast late Saturday or early Sunday.

China’s military conducts operations in the Taiwan Strait on an almost daily basis.

Taiwan’s government continues to reject Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the people of Taiwan can decide the island’s future.