China prohibits navigation in an area north of Taiwan due to the possible fall of debris from a rocket

13 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Government of China has reported that next Sunday navigation in waters north of Taiwan will be prohibited due to the possible fall of debris from a rocket, an unexpected warning to which countries in the area have demanded more details.

China’s Fujian Region Maritime Safety Administration has issued the alert, which will be in effect between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (local time). During this period, ships will not be able to access designated waters in the South China Sea, according to official media.

On Wednesday, the Chinese authorities had already notified the countries of the region of the establishment of a no-fly zone in that same area. Then, Beijing warned of carrying out “aerospace activities” and the local media speculate on the possible launch of a satellite.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Transportation has stated that this no-fly zone, in force for 27 minutes, will affect 33 flights. According to the minister, Wang Kuo Tsai, Beijing initially revised its intention to ban flights for three days after complaints from Taipei, reports the CNA agency.

The Japanese government spokesman, Hirokazu Matsuno, has confirmed that Tokyo will ask Beijing for more details about the latest warnings, according to the Japanese news agency Kiodo. Part of the waters where navigation will theoretically be prohibited on Sunday correspond to Japan’s exclusive economic zone.