The government’s Southbound Policy will not be affected by an international court's ruling on the South China Sea. That’s according to the head of the office for implementing the policy, James Huang, on Wednesday.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China in a territorial dispute brought by the Philippines. But the ruling has major implications for each country with claims in the South China Sea, including Taiwan and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The goal of the government’s Southbound Policy is to improve Taiwan’s trade ties with ASEAN members as well as India. But Taiwan’s territorial claims in the South China Sea conflict with those of ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Huang said calm heads are needed to avoid friction over the maritime area affecting trade ties.
"Regarding the South China Sea ruling, we must resolve to protect our country’s sovereignty and our major national interests. The Southbound Policy has as its goal to secure our national interests and at the same time to push the development of ASEAN nations for a win-win outcome. The South China Sea ruling needs each party to use rational dialogue to resolve the disputes. In this way the Southbound Policy will not be affected," Huang said.