Deputy Defense Minister Cheng De-mei says that Taiwan’s South China Sea policy is one of promoting peace. Cheng was speaking at the Legislature Wednesday, where lawmakers questioned him over whether Taiwan will upgrade defenses on Taiping Island.
Taiping Island is the biggest of the Spratly Islands. The island is under Taiwanese administration, but is also claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines. Taiwan has upgraded its port on Taiping Island as neighboring countries build artificial islands and set up military facilities in nearby waters.
Cheng said that Taiwan’s policy of maintaining peace in the region has not changed. "We have not considered upgrading defenses on Taiping Island. We have always had a policy of peace. The South China Sea Peace Initiative has always been our policy," said Cheng.
The initiative calls for the peaceful resolution of differences and joint exploration of resources in the area.
The Coast Guard Administration is planning to send a group of former officials to visit Taiping Island on Thursday as a display of Taiwan’s sovereignty. Cheng said the defense ministry will guarantee their safety.