BEIJING - Toraji, the year's 17th tropical storm, is approaching the sea area around the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, the country's meteorological authority said on Monday.

The storm, which is moving northeastward at a speed of 10 km per hour, is gradually turning into a strong tropical storm, and a yellow alarm for sea waves has been issued.

Although the storm has moved at a relatively slow pace, it will cause tidal waves as high as six meters in parts of the East China Sea, while tidal waves of 2.5-3.5 meters high are expected around the Diaoyu Islands.

Fishing boats and other facilities along the coast could be affected and caution has been urged among their personnel.