Taiwan reaffirms sovereignty over South China Sea islands - Rti - Radio Taiwan International Feedzy - Taiwan

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The Foreign Ministry reiterated on Thursday that in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, Taiwan retains all rights to the South China Sea islands and its surrounding waters. (Photo: RTI)

In response to the latest territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Taiwan’s sovereignty over all the islands in the South China Sea on Thursday.

Several international news outlets reported that Philippine coastguards cut a 300-meter floating barrier installed by China at the Scarborough Shoal. The shoal is part of a group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea with competing territorial and maritime claims from different countries. China later censored the action and warned the Philippines not to cause trouble.

Answering local media inquiries on the matter, the Foreign Ministry reiterated that in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, Taiwan retains all rights to the South China Sea islands and its surrounding waters. The ministry says that Taiwan supports freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and firmly opposes the use of force, intimidation, or threats. It also called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

The ministry cited President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) 2016 four principles and five actions as a means to shelve disputes and participate in the joint development of the South China Sea. The ministry once again emphasized Taiwan’s willingness to safeguard peace and stability in the region.