The foreign ministry is calling for peace in the East China Sea amid reports that Japan is planning to deploy 500 troops to an island in the area.
Though Ishigaki Island is part of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, the foreign ministry said Wednesday that the island is in a strategically sensitive location. The island is close to Taiwan and the Diaoyutai Islands, which are at the center of a sovereignty dispute between Taiwan, China, and Japan.
The foreign ministry said that plans to deploy troops to the island will strengthen Japan’s ability to monitor nearby waters, where the navy of “another country” is highly active, a reference to Chinese naval activity in the area.
On Wednesday, foreign ministry Deputy Spokesman Andrew Lee outlined Taiwan’s position on the planned move.
"We are deeply hopeful that all sides will show rational restraint, avoid actions that would raise regional tensions, follow international law, handle disputes in a peaceful manner, and work together to maintain the region’s stability and prosperity," said Lee.
The ministry reiterated the government’s support of President Ma Ying-jeou’s East China Sea Peace Initiative. The initiative calls on all parties with disputes in the East China Sea to set aside their differences and work together to develop the area’s resources.
The ministry said that given Ishigaki Island’s sensitive location, the government will continue to watch for developments in the Japanese plan.