The Defense Ministry says it is not ruling out upgrading defenses on Taiwan-held territories in the South China Sea following the ruling by the Hague tribunal on a dispute brought by the Philippines against China.
In its verdict, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that land features in the disputed Spratly chain, including the Taiwan-held Taiping Island, are not islands but shoals. The government has rejected this definition and said that Taiwan is not bound by the verdict.
Speaking at the Legislature, Deputy Defense Minister Lee Hsi-min was asked if the defense level would be stepped up on Taiping and on the Dongsha atoll, the other main territory held by Taiwan in the South China Sea.
"All the armaments on Taiping Island and Dongsha are being reorganized. We are also coordinating closely with the Coast Guard Administration, including on personnel training, supply logistics, the upkeep of hardware, and resources for related exercises. These are all in place. If necessary, we will of course make adjustments and will undertake comprehensive consideration on how to upgrade our overall defense ability," Lee said.
Interior Minister Yeh Jiunn-rong said meanwhile that the tribunal’s ruling was regrettable and not in line with maritime law. He said everything would be done to safeguard the rights of Taiwanese fishermen in the area.