President Ma Ying-jeou said Sept. 1 that the government will continue promoting peaceful resolution of sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea as per the spirit of the East China Sea Peace Initiative.
“The government will defend the nation’s territory in the South China Sea and ensure it is included in negotiations involving the region,” Ma said. “While sovereignty cannot be compromised, resources can be shared.”
The president made the remarks at the opening of a historical archives exhibition on the nation’s southern territories at Academia Historica in Taipei City. Co-organized by Academia Sinica and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and National Defense, the show runs until Oct. 31.
According to Ma, the nation’s peaceful approach to resolving fishery disputes with Japan and the Philippines in recent years is greatly welcomed by the global community. “It is hoped that the same approach can be applied in resolving disagreements in the South China Sea to create a winning situation for all parties,” he said.
“Competing sovereignty claims over South China Sea islands is causing instability in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and most resource-rich regions,” Ma said.
“The nation’s sovereignty over these islands is firmly rooted from the perspective of history, geography, geology and international law, and can be substantiated with historical documents such as the resolutions of international meetings.”
Recent government development projects in the area include the establishment in 2010 of Dongsha Atoll National Park and implementation of a science program to develop the archipelago, also known as the Pratas Islands, into an international marine research center.
In addition, the Ministry of Economic Affairs began installing solar cell systems on Taiping Island in the Nansha (Spratly) Islands three years ago. And in 2013, the government completed transportation projects and set up telecommunication networks on the island.
“It is important to understand that these measures are peaceful in nature and represent our unwavering commitment to developing and managing the islands,” Ma said, adding that such efforts underscore Taiwan’s essential role in the region.
“The government remains rock solid on its South China Sea stance while working with all related parties to reduce tension in the region.” (SFC-JSM)
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