Taiwanese media outlets are reporting that President Ma Ying-jeou will fly to Taiping Island in the South China Sea. Ma will preside over the unveiling ceremony of a newly constructed pier and proclaim Taiwan’s sovereignty over the island.
The island is the largest of the Spratly Islands and is administered by Kaohsiung City. However, the island is also claimed by China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Reports say that the defense ministry will secure the president’s safety with naval vessels and fighter jets. In response, defense ministry spokesman David Lo said on Thursday that the ministry has not received any such instructions.
If Ma does make the trip, he will be the second president of Taiwan to go to the island. The first was former President Chen Shui-bian who went in February 2008.