The lightning visit of ROC President Ma Ying-jeou to Pengjia Islet last week sent a strong message that the government is fully committed to peacefully resolving disputes over the Diaoyutai Archipelago. It also hammered home the point that while the nation’s sovereignty in this region is non-negotiable, there is plenty of room for all parties to sit down and settle their differences under the framework of the East China Sea peace initiative.
Ma’s trip to Pengjia, situated 33 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan proper, included face time with ROC Coast Guard Administration personnel, facility inspections and a speech on the initiative. Given the islet is a gateway to Diaoyutais and key forward position for the CGA in patrolling the region and safeguarding local fishermen who ply the waters, the setting could not have been better for such an address.
Ma explained that the five-point initiative—appealing in its simplicity and thoroughly pragmatic—reflects the principles of peaceful dispute resolution as set out under the U.N. Charter and relevant provisions in international law. It urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; shelve controversies and not abandon dialogue; observe international law and resolve disputes through peaceful means; seek consensus on a code of conduct in the region; and establish a mechanism for cooperation on exploring and developing resources.
While on Pengjia, the president proposed a two-stage implementation: dialogue and talks, then cooperation on exploring and sharing natural resources. Under this framework, Taipei, Tokyo and Beijing can conduct bilateral discussions before progressing to trilateral negotiations—essential steps in realizing peace and cooperation in the region.
Ma’s plan holds value and offers a modus vivendi for all parties to talk on fishing rights; mineral exploration and production; marine research and environmental protection; and maritime security and cooperation. But discussions will not be a stroll in the park, with success hinging on whether all parties have the creativity, determination and sincerity to undertake mutually beneficial negotiations for expanded cooperation.
In the same spirit of openness and reciprocity, the time is ripe for the ROC to be invited to participate in the drafting and signing of a South China Sea code of conduct. As the nation exercises full sovereignty over the Dongsha (Pratas), Nansha (Spratly), Xisha (Paracel) and Zhongsha (Macclesfield Bank) islands and their surrounding waters, its involvement in the process is integral to the success of the endeavor.
The bottom line is that diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes in the East and South China seas must be accelerated, with all affected parties seated at the negotiating table. That will be the only way to ensure peace and stability throughout the region for the benefit of all.
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