President Ma Ying-jeou says that the Republic of China (ROC) will defend its sovereignty over Taiping Island in the South China Sea. He was speaking on Tuesday at an international conference marking the ROC’s victory over the Japanese in World War II.
The Republic of China is the official name of Taiwan’s government.
Citing the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Declaration, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, Ma said that Taiwan regained sovereignty over Taiping Island after the end of World War II.
The president said Taiwan will defend its sovereignty over Taiping Island in accordance with international law. He also refuted claims that Taiping Island is a “rock”, saying that according to a United Nations convention, it qualifies as an island.
"I would like to emphasize that any attempt by other countries to deny the fact that Taiping Island is an island will not undermine its legal status as an island, and its marine rights based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea," said Ma.
"The ROC will stand on the foundation of international law, including the law of the sea, to protect what are rightfully our interests.”
Ma said over the last several decades, Taiwan has built up the island’s infrastructure. Construction projects have included a photovoltaic communications system, a hospital, a post office, a temple, and an airstrip.
President Ma said that Taiwan is hoping to develop the island into a hub for international aid, environmental protection, and scientific research.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry issued a statement on Tuesday citing history, geography, and international law as justifications for the Republic of China on Taiwan’s claim to the islands and the surrounding waters in the South China Sea.