Taipei calls China's Taiwan Strait traffic control order 'ridiculous'

Taiwan has strongly criticized China's attempt to implement traffic control measures in the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, labeling the move as "ridiculous" and asserting that Beijing has no right to restrict access to international waters.

The strategic Taiwan Strait, through which billions of dollars in trade pass annually, is a point of contention between China and Taiwan. China claims the democratically governed island as its territory, a claim rejected by both Taipei and Washington. Chinese state media had announced that ships heading north through the southern strait entrance must comply with traffic control measures starting Thursday night due to the approaching typhoon.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council issued a statement late Friday, calling China's directive "unreasonable and crude." The council stated that the Chinese Communist departments' announcement "reflects an ignorance, disregard, and trampling of international order and norms. It is utterly ridiculous!" The statement further declared, "Taiwan's own affairs need no meddling from the Chinese Communists."

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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!

In parallel, Taiwan's Coast Guard reported no "abnormal movements" by Chinese vessels and no reported instances of shipping companies experiencing "broadcast interference." The Coast Guard advised merchant and cargo ships transiting the area to disregard any Chinese broadcast demands and to report such incidents immediately. They assured that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure freedom and safety of navigation.

The typhoon, Dolphin, is currently tracking north of Taiwan and is expected to make landfall on China's east coast over the weekend. China's military frequently operates in the strait. Taiwan's government maintains that Beijing's sovereignty claims are rejected and that only the island's people can determine their future.

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Taiwan's own affairs need no meddling from the Chinese Communists