Taipei dismisses China's typhoon shipping curbs in Taiwan Strait as 'ridiculous'

Taipei has sharply criticised Beijing's decision to impose traffic control measures on shipping in the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, calling the move "ridiculous" and an infringement on international waters.

The order, announced via Chinese state media on Wednesday, was set to take effect from Thursday night. It required vessels heading north through the southern entrance of the strait to comply with traffic controls, seek safe shelter, and follow instructions from Chinese maritime authorities.

In a statement issued late Friday, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said the directive reflected a disregard for international order. "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, adding that Taiwan's affairs require no external interference.

Taiwan's Coast Guard, in a separate statement, said it had observed no unusual movements by Chinese vessels and no shipping companies had reported broadcast interference. It advised merchant and cargo ships to ignore any Chinese broadcast demands and report such incidents immediately, pledging to take all necessary steps to protect navigational freedom and safety.

China claims the Taiwan Strait as its own territory, a position rejected by both Taipei and Washington. The strait is a vital waterway for global trade, carrying billions of dollars in goods annually. China's military conducts operations in the area on an almost daily basis.

Typhoon Dolphin is currently tracking north of Taiwan and is expected to make landfall on China's east coast late Saturday or early Sunday. Taiwan's government maintains that only its people have the right to decide the island's future, rejecting Beijing's sovereignty claims.