TAIPEI, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Taiwan has called China's decision to enforce traffic control on ships entering the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin "ridiculous," stating that Beijing has no authority to restrict access to international waters.
China considers Taiwan, which is democratically governed, as part of its territory and claims the Taiwan Strait, through which vast amounts of trade pass each year. Both Taipei and Washington reject this claim.
On Wednesday, Chinese state media announced that due to the approaching typhoon, starting Thursday night, ships navigating north through the southern entrance of the Taiwan Strait must adhere to traffic control measures.
According to the report, all vessels are required to comply with safety guidelines, seek safe areas to shelter from the storm, and follow directions from maritime authorities to ensure safety at sea.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded late Friday, saying, "The unreasonable statement from the Chinese Communist departments shows ignorance and disrespects international norms. It is utterly ridiculous!"
The Council further stated, "Taiwan's own affairs require no interference from the Chinese communists."
In a separate statement, Taiwan's Coast Guard reported that it had not observed any "abnormal movements" from Chinese vessels and that no shipping companies had reported issues with "broadcast interference."
The Coast Guard advised merchant and cargo ships in the area to ignore any demands from Chinese broadcasts and to report such incidents immediately, assuring that it would take all necessary steps to maintain freedom and safety in navigation.
The typhoon is expected to travel north of Taiwan and make landfall on China's east coast late Saturday or early Sunday.
The Chinese military operates in the strait nearly every day.
Taiwan's government firmly rejects China's claims of sovereignty, stating that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.