TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Ocean Affairs Council Deputy Minister Sung Cheng-en (宋承恩) said China should not monitor foreign vessels taking shelter from storms as a way to challenge Taiwan's sovereignty, CNA reported Sunday.
FTV News reported that a Chinese coast guard ship may have monitored a Japanese Coast Guard patrol vessel while it sheltered from Typhoon Podul west of Taiwan. Sung said the Central Mountain Range can shield vessels in those waters from strong typhoon winds.
Taiwan allows vessels in distress to seek shelter and provides assistance regardless of nationality, Sung said. The Coast Guard also warns vessels about dangerous sea conditions and provides rescue support when needed.
Taiwan has assisted Chinese vessels in distress on several occasions, including during Chinese military exercises around the country, Sung said. He said such assistance follows international humanitarian principles while the nation continues to defend its sovereignty and jurisdiction.
Foreign government vessels may enter nearby waters for shelter only during genuine emergencies, Sung said. They are expected to leave once the storm passes, sea conditions improve, or mechanical problems are resolved, per Economic Daily News.
Sung said vessels should use the Automatic Identification System or other communication channels to make clear that they are seeking emergency shelter. This allows Taiwan authorities to monitor the situation and provide assistance when necessary.
Vessels seeking shelter must not engage in activities that threaten Taiwan's peace, public order, defense, or security, Sung said. He said there is a clear difference between entering nearby waters for safety and conducting operations that challenge Taiwan's jurisdiction.
China should not use law enforcement operations, surveillance, or sailing alongside other vessels to dispute Taiwan's sovereignty and jurisdiction, Sung said. Emergency shelter should not be turned into a political issue, he added.
The Coast Guard Administration said the foreign government vessels involved remained outside Taiwan's contiguous zone while sheltering from Typhoon Podul. They began leaving the area as the storm moved away, per Liberty Times.
