“Whether from the perspective of history, geography or international law, it is indisputable that the Nansha [Spratly], Shisha [Parcel], Chungsha [Macclesfield Bank] and Tungsha [Pratas] islands, as well as their surrounding waters, are inherent parts of the territory of the ROC,” Ma said.
“Building on the pragmatic approach shaped by the South China Sea Peace Initiative I proposed in May 2015, the ROC government will work to safeguard sovereignty, shelve disputes, pursue peace and prosperity, and promote joint development in this region.”
After returning from the largest naturally formed island in the Nansha Islands, the president outlined the roadmap for his acclaimed peace initiative during an international news conference at Songshan Air Force Base in Taipei City.
“We saw the fruits of the initiative materialize last November in the signing of an agreement on facilitating bilateral cooperation in fisheries law enforcement between Taiwan and the Philippines. This positive development is set to minimize related disputes in the two countries’ overlapping waters.
“In keeping with the same spirit, we urge all relevant countries and territories to reduce tension, increase dialogue and settle disputes peacefully in the South China Sea,” Ma said, adding that peace and prosperity will follow through abiding by international law and upholding the freedom of navigation and overflight.
Concerning opportunities for multilateral cooperation, the president believes developing Taiping Island is a strong starting point for implementing his peace initiative.
“The island is a treasure trove of natural resources, and its prime location makes it an ideal to further advance the ROC’s presence as a peacemaker and provider of humanitarian aid in the global community.”
Ma cited the establishment of Nansha Hospital and a telemedical service system providing medical care for locally based personnel and in emergencies, foreign fishermen operating in the region. Over the past decade, the facility and service has saved many lives in the remote reaches of the ROC territory.
“Taiping Island’s robust infrastructure development and self-sustaining food and water supply also give ample evidence to refute unfounded claims contesting its legitimacy as a permanent land mass defined by the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he added.
Going forward, the president said he expects to see Taiping Island transform into a peaceful, eco-friendly and low-carbon island. Based on this vision, Ma laid down a three-pronged approach to further headway in the peaceful and prosperous development of the South China Sea.
“All parties concerned must work together to establish a cooperation mechanism and set aside territorial disputes in favor of peaceful resolution. Such a collaborative framework can ensure equal participation and resource sharing without undermining any rights and interests.
“This will surely facilitate the forging of a consensus on a wide range of future cooperation opportunities,” Ma said. “We have every reason to believe these efforts can help foster understanding and promote peace through collaboration.” (YHC-JSM)
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