§ Sir Nicholas ScottTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about recent interference in recognised international sea and air routes by China in respect of launching missiles, firing munitions and conducting manoeuvres; and to what extent Chinese notification of these accorded with acceptable international practice. [22211]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorI have been asked to reply.
Since 8 March, the Chinese navy and air force have been conducting military exercises in the Taiwan straits. For this purpose, they have established and duly notified a series of maritime and air exclusion zones. While diversions by ships and aircraft may have been necessary, the Chinese exercises have not prevented transit passage through the straits.
Although China is not yet a state party to the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, her actions, including notification procedures, appear to be in general conformity with international practice.