TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China’s large-scale military exercise is not expected to affect vessel movements at Taiwan’s commercial ports, the Maritime and Port Bureau said on Monday.
China’s Eastern Command designated five zones around Taiwan for live-fire drills on Tuesday until 6 p.m. China's Maritime Safety Administration later added two more live-fire zones.
In response, the bureau said it issued navigational alerts via coastal radio stations and maritime centers on Monday afternoon, urging vessels to maintain heightened vigilance and take evasive action as necessary, according to a bureau press release.
The MPB said it will continue to monitor developments and maintain close coordination with the Coast Guard Administration to provide updates. The bureau’s Maritime Operations Center will also conduct 24-hour monitoring of vessel movements in surrounding waters during the exercise.
It advised nearby ships to keep clear of China’s designated live-fire drill areas to maintain navigational safety. At the same time, the bureau said that it will collaborate with port authorities to monitor operations at commercial ports and respond as necessary.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration said that more than 100,000 international passengers are likely to be impacted by China’s exercise. The CAA said that significant delays could persist even after the drills conclude, due to a backlog of flights.
