The Spratly Islands -known as the Nansha Islands in Chinese- are a disputed island chain located about 1,120 kilometers southwest of Taiwan. They are situated about halfway between Vietnam and the Philippines or about 1,600 kilometers away from the Port of Kaohsiung. The group of more than a hundred islands and reefs is believed rich in oil and natural gas.
Right now, Taiwan has effective administration over one island in the chain, called Taiping Island. Taiwan’s coast guard is responsible for defending Taiping Island, while the Kaohsiung City Government is responsible for its administration.
While Taiwan has effective administration over Taiping Island, the Spratlys are also claimed in part or in whole by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
In December, 2011, Taiwan's coast guard inaugurated a new solar power system on the island that will meet as much as 17% of its energy needs. The move shows Taiwan's "smart power"—solar technology—while also serving to cement Taipei's sovereignty over the disputed island.
On Monday, KMT presidential candidate Eric Chu said that Taiwan has historic ties with the South China Sea and that Taiwan has sovereignty over Taiping Island. He said that the government should get the Taiwanese people to feel they have closer ties with the island by opening up tourism there.
In response to Chu’ suggestion, Premier Mao Chi-kuo said an evaluation is needed about whether to open the islands up to tourism. Mao said that while Taiping Island is not a reef or rock and is suitable for habitation, factors such as logistical support must be taken into consideration.
The premier said that although about 200 people had travelled to Taiping Island by boat, they were there for research and to make supply deliveries.