The ROC government called Dec. 8 on all parties involved in disagreements over air defense identification zones in the East China Sea to avoid escalating tensions and jointly maintain peace and stability in the region.
Peaceful means are the only viable way of resolving disputes in the East China Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that the parties should seek to engage in dialogue and address the matter in a calm and orderly manner.
The ministry’s statement follows the announcement by South Korea earlier in the day that it was extending its ADIZ into areas claimed by Japan and mainland China.
“We are concerned by the action because South Korea’s ADIZ now overlaps with those of its neighbors and could lead to increased tensions and conflict,” the MOFA said.
The ministry urged all parties to show restraint and adopt the principles contained in the government’s East China Sea peace initiative, which has won widespread international support.
Proposed by President Ma Ying-jeou Aug. 5, 2012, the initiative urges all parties to shelves disputes, maintain channels of dialogue and respect international law in seeking a peaceful solution to disputes. (SDH-JSM)
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