The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the nation’s sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Archipelago Nov. 30, urging Japan to resolve regional disputes in accordance with the East China Sea peace initiative.
“The Diaoyutais are historically, geographically, legally and practically an inherent part of ROC territory,” said Chang Jen-chiu, a MOFA official from the ROC representative office in Tokyo. “Their surrounding waters are traditional fishing grounds for Taiwan fishermen and such rights must be safeguarded.”
Chang made the remarks during a preparatory meeting in Tokyo for the upcoming 17th round of Taiwan-Japan fishery talks. Also attending were officials from the ROC Coast Guard Administration and Fisheries Agency, as well as a Japan delegation led by Michihiko Komatsu, head of the Tokyo-headquartered Interchange Association’s general affairs section.
According to Chang, both parties exchanged views on fishing operation areas and resource management. Despite not seeing eye to eye on some issues, he said, they agreed to continue negotiating with sincerity and good will for the sake of Taipei-Tokyo ties and peaceful and sustainable development in the region.
“There is no question that Taiwan and Japan should work in accordance with the East China Sea peace initiative to make the region one of peace and cooperation,” Chang said.
On Oct. 5, Japan Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba responded to the initiative by saying some forms of cooperation in the East China Sea were conceivable.
Proposed Aug. 5 by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou, the five-point initiative urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; not abandon dialogue; observe international law; resolve disputes through peaceful means; and form a mechanism for exploring and developing resources on a cooperative basis.
The president also suggested implementing the initiative in two stages by having Taipei, Beijing and Tokyo conduct bilateral discussions before progressing to trilateral negotiations.
The Diaoyutais are an uninhabited archipelago located roughly 170 kilometers northeast of Taiwan proper. The island group is historically attached to the ROC and includes Diaoyutai Island and the islets of Huangwei and Chiwei. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw