ROC sovereignty over Huangyan Island was reaffirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs April 20 in Taipei City following a confrontation between a Philippine naval vessel and mainland Chinese ships off the uninhabited reef.
According to reports, Beijing dispatched ships to the island, also known as the Scarborough Shoal, over a week ago to block efforts by the Philippine vessel to detain mainland Chinese fishermen aboard eight boats in waters around the shoal, which is located just over 200 kilometers west of the Philippine island of Luzon.
The ROC, mainland China and the Philippines all lay claim to the shoal.
Noting that Huangyan Island is part of the Zhongsha (Macclesfield Bank) archipelago, the MOFA stated that “from the perspective of history, geography and international law, the Nansha Islands (Spratlys), as well as the Xisha (Paracel), Zhongsha and Dongsha (Pratas) island groups and their surrounding waters are all undoubtedly integral parts of ROC territory.
“The ROC government asserts its sovereignty over the four island groups and their surrounding waters and refuses to recognize moves by any other nation to occupy or claim control over them for any reason,” the ministry said.
The government solemnly urges neighboring countries to abide by the letter and spirit of international law, show self-restraint and avoid adopting any measures that might disrupt peace and stability in the region, it added.
Any disputed claims should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, MOFA continued.
It also reiterated that the ROC government wishes to work together with other nations in the region to develop resources in the South China Sea, based on the principles of “ROC sovereignty over the islands, the shelving of disputes, peace and reciprocity, and joint development.” (SB-THN)