US State Department Opposes China's Taiwan Strait Traffic Controls During Typhoon Dolphin

The US State Department publicly opposed China's announcement that it would impose traffic-control measures on vessels transiting the Taiwan Strait ahead of Typhoon Dolphin, saying on August 11, 2026 that 'the United States opposes any actions that interfere with high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight that apply in the Taiwan Strait.' China's Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration had announced it would restrict northbound vessels entering the strait's southern approach starting 18:00 that Thursday, directing all vessels to 'comply with the measures, seek safe shelter from the storm, and follow the instructions of maritime authorities.' Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration and Mainland Affairs Council rejected the move, arguing the strait is international waters beyond Beijing's jurisdiction and accusing the CCP of asserting sovereign control 'under the pretext of a typhoon.' The dispute follows China's 'special maritime law-enforcement operations' east of Taiwan ongoing since June, which Beijing has framed as a response to Japan-Philippines maritime boundary talks.