President Ma Ying-jeou has reiterated Taiwan’s sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands, a disputed island group in the East China Sea.
Ma made the comments on Saturday while attending the opening of an event marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Japan maintains de facto control over the Diaoyutai Islands. The islands are often known in international contexts by their Japanese name, the Senkaku Islands. In addition to Taiwan, China also claims ownership of the islands.
Ma said although the sovereignty dispute is yet to be resolved, Taiwan and Japan signed a fisheries agreement two years ago, which resolved disputes over fishing rights. He said after the two sides signed the agreement, Taiwanese fishermen have been able to operate in the waters near the Diaoyutai Islands. Ma also said this is the first time that Taiwanese fishermen have been able to operate there without the risks of being expelled or detained by Japanese coast guards.
Ma once again called on all sides involved in the dispute to support his East China Sea Peace Initiative. The initiative seeks peaceful development of resources around the Diaoyutai Islands by shelving disagreements over sovereignty.