Taiwan has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the South China Sea in response to recent claims from both China and the Philippines. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued a strong statement on Tuesday rejecting the renewed attempts by the two nations to assert territorial control over the region. Taiwan’s government emphasized its rights under international law and maritime law to all island groups and surrounding waters in the South China Sea.
Taiwan Reaffirms Sovereignty: A Response to China and the Philippines
The statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Republic of China (ROC) has full sovereignty over the disputed territories in the South China Sea. Taiwan insisted that attempts by other countries to claim sovereignty over these areas do not alter the ROC’s established rights to the islands and waters under international law. The MOFA emphasized that Taiwan would continue to safeguard its rights in the South China Sea and expressed concerns about the growing regional tensions.
This response comes in the wake of two significant developments: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signing new laws on Friday to define his country’s maritime entitlements, and China’s publication of new baselines for Scarborough Shoal—a contested area it seized from the Philippines in 2012.
Philippine and Chinese Actions: Heightening Tensions in the South China Sea
On Friday, Philippine President Marcos signed two new laws aimed at reinforcing the country’s sovereignty over the South China Sea. The laws define the Philippines’ maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes in the region. In response, China reiterated its sweeping claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by other nations such as the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
China quickly responded to the Philippine legislation by publishing baselines for Scarborough Shoal, which it seized from the Philippines in 2012. Since the seizure, China has restricted access to the shoal, blocking Filipino fishermen from entering the area. The Philippine government has protested China’s actions, but Beijing has refused to abide by a 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated many of China’s claims in the region.
Taiwan has reiterated its stance on the issue, rejecting the sovereignty claims of both China and the Philippines and stressing the importance of resolving territorial disputes through multilateral dialogue.
Taiwan’s Strategic Position in the South China Sea
Taiwan maintains control over two strategically significant islands in the South China Sea: Taiping Island (also known as Itu Aba) and Dongsha Island (Pratas Island).
- Taiping Island (Itu Aba) is the largest island in the Spratly Islands, located about 1,600 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It is administered as part of Kaohsiung’s Cijin District (æ——æ´¥).
- Dongsha Island (Pratas Island) is located approximately 450 kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung and is a crucial location for Taiwan’s presence in the region.
Taiwan’s presence on these islands is a key element of its position in the ongoing territorial dispute over the South China Sea.
Escalating Tensions: A Regional Threat to Peace and Stability
The South China Sea has become a focal point for escalating tensions between China, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations. The area is rich in natural resources, and its waters are vital for global shipping lanes. As a result, multiple countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have laid competing territorial claims to various parts of the sea.
In recent months, the situation has become more fraught. Ships from China and the Philippines have collided on several occasions, and tensions have escalated following reports of the Chinese Coast Guard using water cannons to block Philippine vessels. These incidents have raised concerns that further conflict could arise if diplomatic solutions are not found.
Taiwan’s MOFA has called for a peaceful resolution to these disputes, urging all parties involved to engage in dialogue and adhere to international law. Taiwan also expressed its desire to be included in multilateral dispute settlement mechanisms on an equal footing, as it believes this is crucial for regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s Call for Multilateral Dialogue
In its statement, Taiwan reiterated its commitment to resolving territorial disputes through diplomatic means and multilateral dialogue. The government emphasized that Taiwan should be included in such discussions on an equal basis, as it is a direct stakeholder in the South China Sea issue. Taiwan’s inclusion in multilateral frameworks would help ensure that all voices are heard and that solutions are reached peacefully and in accordance with international law.
Taiwan’s sovereignty claims over the South China Sea have long been a contentious issue, but its consistent stance and its call for peaceful negotiations remain central to its foreign policy in the region.
Key Facts: Taiwan’s Sovereignty in the South China Sea
| Island | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Taiping Island | 1,600 km southwest of Kaohsiung | Largest island in the Spratly Islands, controlled by Taiwan |
| Dongsha Island | 450 km southwest of Kaohsiung | Strategic location for Taiwan’s presence in the South China Sea |
| Disputed Area | South China Sea | Rich in resources, vital for global shipping lanes |
| Regional Tensions | China, Philippines, Taiwan | Ongoing territorial disputes, escalating military confrontations |
Taiwan’s Position: A Call for Peaceful Resolution
Taiwan’s rejection of the competing claims from both China and the Philippines underscores its firm stance on sovereignty over the South China Sea. The government continues to stress the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and adherence to international law. Taiwan’s position in the South China Sea remains vital for regional stability, and its calls for multilateral engagement offer a path to de-escalate tensions and promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
FAQs
1. Why is Taiwan asserting sovereignty over the South China Sea?
Taiwan has long maintained sovereignty over the South China Sea, controlling key islands like Taiping Island and Dongsha Island. Taiwan asserts that its rights to these islands and surrounding waters are consistent with international law and maritime law.
2. What are the recent actions by China and the Philippines in the South China Sea?
The Philippines recently signed two laws to define its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, while China published baselines for the disputed Scarborough Shoal and reiterated its sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea.
3. How does Taiwan view China’s claims in the South China Sea?
Taiwan rejects China’s claims, asserting its own sovereignty over the islands and waters in the region. Taiwan maintains that its rights in the South China Sea are not affected by the claims of other nations.
4. What is Taiwan’s stance on resolving disputes in the South China Sea?
Taiwan calls for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes through multilateral dialogue, emphasizing the importance of international law and the inclusion of Taiwan in dispute resolution mechanisms on an equal basis.
5. What islands does Taiwan control in the South China Sea?
Taiwan controls Taiping Island (Itu Aba), the largest island in the Spratlys, and Dongsha Island (Pratas Island), both of which are strategically important in the ongoing territorial disputes.
