China: Officials to impose maritime exclusion area in East China Sea April 16

Event

The Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) will impose a maritime exclusion area in the East China Sea off the east coast of Fuzhou City 09:00-15:00 April 16. The exclusion area is in response to a no-fly zone China is imposing north of Taiwan 09:30-09:57 the same day due to concerns of potential rocket debris. Authorities will enforce an exclusion area around 230 km (143 miles) east of Fuzhou and extending about 150 km (93 miles) northeast. MSA will prohibit civilian vessels from entering the area throughout the exclusion zone's duration.

The exclusion zone may prompt minor regional maritime shipping delays. Waterways to ports in Fuzhou and Ningde in mainland China, as well as Taipei and Keelung in Taiwan, could experience disruptions in shipping traffic.

Context

The maritime exclusion area and no-fly zone come amid tensions in the region over a meeting last week between Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Taiwan's government confirmed that China initially planned to impose a no-fly zone from April 16 to 18, but Chinese officials shortened the duration to 27 minutes the morning of April 16 following negotiations.

Advice

Plan for potential shipping congestion and delays. If possible, consider alternative transport for time-sensitive cargo.