Taiwan protests Philippine naval ships' presence on Spratlys shoal (How can Taiwan protest when there's question on who owns Taiwan?)

Taiwan protests Philippine naval ships' presence on Spratlys shoal

(How can Taiwan protest when there's question on who owns Taiwan?)

2013/05/25 22:40:24

The red symbol marks the location of Renai Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands. (From Google Maps)

Taipei, May 25 (CNA) Taiwan on Saturday protested the Philippines' dispatch of naval vessels to a shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, saying it would not recognize any unlawful claims.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was referring to the Philippines' dispatch of naval ships to Renai Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands.

"The MOFA expresses its serious concern and firm opposition" over such a move because the Spratlys are the "sovereign territory of the Republic of China," the ministry said in a statement.

It reiterated that the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Macclesfield Bank, and Dongsha (Pratas) Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, are unquestionably the ROC's sovereign territory.

"The ROC reasserts that it enjoys all rights over these four island groups and their surrounding waters," the statement said.

Noting that Second Thomas Shoal is located within the Spratly Islands, the statement said the ROC government denies all unlawful claims to sovereignty over, or occupation of, these areas by other countries.

The statement further said Taiwan is willing to promote joint exploration of resources in the region in line with the principles of safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, and pursuing peace and reciprocity, in dealing with disputes in the South China Sea.

The MOFA also called on nations with conflicting claims to abide by the principles and spirit of international law, temper their actions, and refrain from implementing unilateral measures that could affect peace and stability in the South China Sea.

"Dialogue should replace confrontation, and parties should work together to seek a peaceful resolution to disputes concerning the South China Sea," the MOFA statement added.

Recent foreign media reports said a handful of Filipino marines are living on an old vessel that is grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

According to the reports, the ship, a former U.S. tank-landing vessel, was deliberately abandoned there to serve as a base in Manila's defense against China's efforts to control most of the South China Sea.

The potentially resource-rich sea, home to important trade routes, is an increasingly dangerous flashpoint and there have been a string of recent diplomatic rows between countries with overlapping territorial claims.

Six countries -- Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei -- claim in whole or part to the South China Sea and its island chains and shoals. 

(By Angelea Tsai and Sofia Wu)

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