FUZHOU - China's eastern coastal province of Fujian has activated an emergency response to cope with approaching typhoon Maria, the eighth typhoon this year.

The typhoon is expected to strike Fujian on Wednesday morning, whipping up gales and high waves, according to provincial meteorological authorities.

It will bypass or brush northeastern Taiwan early on Wednesday before reaching Fujian, where winds of up to 37 meters per second are expected in coastal areas with waves of up to six meters.

All fishing boats are ordered to return to harbor by Tuesday noon and all personnel at offshore fish farms are demanded to retreat to land by 6 pm.

All coastal tourist resorts should also be closed by 6 pm Tuesday.