ROC President Ma Ying-jeou reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and fishing rights with the commission of two new Coast Guard Administration vessels March 30.
“The launching of new CGA ships is part of government efforts to strengthen capabilities in law enforcement, sea rescue missions and the defense of fishing rights,” Ma said. “It is also in line with our policy to protect and develop ocean resources and become a major maritime power.”
Ma made the remarks at a commissioning ceremony in southern Taiwan’s Kaoshiung City for a 2,000-ton frigate and 1,000-ton patrol boat. The two vessels are the first in a 10-year project to build 37 ships, the president said before boarding the frigate to oversee operations at sea including rescue and water cannon drills.
Established 13 years ago, the CGA has only four ships over 1,000 tons, Ma said, adding that the government has earmarked NT$24.07 billion (US$807 million) to build a modern patrol fleet to enforce maritime law in a time of escalating regional sovereignty disputes.
“While the ROC makes no concessions on sovereignty, we uphold the value of peace and look to resolve disputes based on the ROC Constitution and international law,” he said.
Taiwan is ready, willing and able to play the role of peacemaker in the Diaoyutai Archipelago, and the government’s East China Sea peace initiative is the best means for easing tensions in the region, the president noted.
Proposed Aug. 5, 2012, by Ma, 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 has repeatedly 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 102 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan proper. The tiny island group is historically attached to the nation and includes Diaoyutai Island and four other islets. (THN)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw