A foreign ministry official says that a forthcoming ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over maritime disputes between China and the Philippines will not apply to Taiwan.
Vice Foreign Minister Leo Lee was speaking on Monday about the Hague-based court, which will issue a ruling on July 12th over the Philippines’ challenge to China’s claims in the South China Sea.
Lee explained Taiwan’s stance on the matter.
“Taiwan is [neither] of the two parties involved in the case brought before the PCA. Therefore, from a legal point of view, any ruling on this case issued by the court will not apply to us. I think [the current administration’s] stance on sovereignty is the same as the [previous administration]," said Lee.
Lee also said Taiwan will stand firm on its sovereignty over Taiping Island, which is part of an island chain called the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
“[We] absolutely will not budge when it comes to sovereignty. We will lodge a strong [protest] if [the ruling] damages our sovereignty," said Lee.
Taiping Island is currently administered by Taiwan.