In his opening remarks, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated that the island chain is an inherent part of the nation’s territory.
“But while sovereignty cannot be divided, resources can be shared,” he said, adding that the recent signing of a landmark fishery rights agreement between Taiwan and Japan is a great start for future bilateral cooperation.
The pact marks the most significant progress since confrontation between the two countries over the islands escalated in 2012, Ma said. “Moreover, it conforms to the spirit of the East China Sea peace initiative.”
Proposed by Ma in August 2012, the initiative calls on parties involved to refrain from taking antagonistic actions; shelve controversies; observe international law; seek consensus; and establish a mechanism for the cooperative development of resources.
In the keynote speech on the U.S. strategic perspective on factors affecting regional stability, Alan D. Romberg, director of the East Asia Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, commended Ma for successfully negotiating the pact with Japan.
“This agreement is an impressive example of the principles of President Ma’s East China Sea peace initiative in action,” he said. “From the American perspective, the agreement is an important contribution to the region’s peace and stability.
“The willingness to set aside an irresolvable dispute over sovereignty in order to achieve concrete, beneficial results is a useful standard for others to emulate,” he said.
ROC Minister of Foreign Affairs David Y.L. Lin shed light on the country’s viable diplomacy and improving ties with other countries stemming from thawing Taipei-Beijing relations.
“The government will continue efforts to boost Taiwan’s international status and presence,” Lin said. These include closer business ties with major trading partners, continuous promotion of the peace initiative and expanded participation in global organizations and regional economic integration.
“The ROC is willing and ready to play the role of peace facilitator, and we ask other concerned parties to shelve controversy and work together to make the East China Sea a region of peace and cooperation,” he added.
Hosted by MOFA and Xinzhuang-based Fu Jen Catholic University, the conference, now in its fifth year, featured a lineup of high-ranking government officials and nearly 30 academics from Taiwan, Japan, mainland China, South Korea and the U.S.
As part of the event, another seminar will be staged April 18 in Yilan County, which has administrative jurisdiction over the Diaoyutais. (THN)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw