Fujian, Zhejiang launch emergency response for typhoon Francisco

China's eastern provinces of Fujian and Zhejiang have launched emergency responses as typhoon Francisco approaches.

According to local emergency authorities, typhoon Francisco is expected to gradually step up its influence over the fishing grounds and northern coastal areas of Fujian from Thursday. Fujian had launched an emergency response for typhoon prevention by Thursday noon.

Out of safety concerns, non-essential personnel on coastal fish farms in Fujian's Ningde City have been evacuated. Fishing vessels in the central Fujian fishing grounds north of 25.3°N, as well as in the eastern and offshore Fujian fishing grounds and the Diaoyu Island area, are urged to find shelter in ports or move to places south of 25.3°N by 08:00 Friday.

Taizhou City of Zhejiang Province also launched an emergency response on Wednesday. On Thursday, Taizhou authorities evacuated 850 tourists from the Dachen Island, and the ferry services from Jiaojiang port to the Dachen Island and the Jiangshan Island will be suspended on Friday. Taizhou Maritime Bureau also stepped up inspections on mooring cables and personnel shifts to eliminate potential safety hazards.

Fishery departments in Taizhou have been tightening vessel controls. By Thursday, all fishing vessels have returned to port, and recreational fishing boats have ceased operations, with aquaculture workers evacuated ashore.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, met with the European Parliament's delegation for relations with China led by chair Engin Eroglu in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to work with the European Union (EU) to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

He said China stands ready to join hands with the EU to address global challenges, promote exchanges and cooperation among legislative bodies, effectively utilize communication mechanisms, and advance the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.

Eroglu said the EU stands ready to work with China to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.