The foreign ministry said it is going to protest to Japan over their new textbooks that say the Diaoyutai Islands belong to Japan. The islands are called Senkaku Islands in Japan and are claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan.
Japanese media reports said on Monday that new social studies textbooks claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of Japan for the first time. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Kao said the ROC government seriously protests this claim.
"About the false depiction of the Diayoutai Islands in the 2016 Japanese textbooks revealed by Japan’s education ministry, the Republic of China government solemnly protests this. We will express the stance of the ROC through diplomatic channels," said Kao.
The ROC is the official name of Taiwan’s government. The ministry said the Diaoyutai Islands are a part of Taiwan. Kao said that is a fact whether one looks at it from a historical, geographical or pragmatic perspective.
"Any intention or explanation, or promotion is illegal and invalid. So Japan’s unilateral measures cannot change reality," said Kao.
The ministry also emphasized that Taiwan has sovereignty over the disputed islands, but its policy is to put aside disputes and jointly develop resources there. The ministry said its stance is firm and it will protect the rights of Taiwan’s fishermen in the area. The ministry hopes all sides can maintain peace and security in the region.