President Tsai states as unacceptable South China Sea award

2016/07/25

President Tsai Ing-wen said in an article published July 21 by U.S. news outlet The Washington Post that the Republic of China (Taiwan) does not accept the award recently rendered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the South China Sea arbitration initiated by the Philippines.

“We will not accept their decision, and there are several reasons for that. First, Taiwan is an important party of interest in this case, but we were not invited to participate in the proceedings. Second, we found it unacceptable that we were referred to as the ‘Taiwan Authority of China.’

“The third reason is that Taiping is indeed an island.”

Comprising numerous decisions, the July 12 award classified Taiping Island in the Nansha (Spratly Islands) as a rock and not an island. This would call into question the ROC’s rightful claim to a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone around Taiping Island.

Taiping Island, with an area of 0.51 square kilometers, is the largest naturally formed island in the Nansha Islands. It can sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own, and meets the criteria of an island as defined in Article 121 of U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Therefore, the ROC enjoys full rights associated with territorial waters, a contiguous zone, an exclusive economic zone and a continental shelf in accordance with UNCLOS.

Concerning her election earlier this year as the first female president of the ROC, Tsai said Taiwan’s society and democracy is mature enough to appreciate the value of individual politicians. “They place emphasis on the quality and the value of individual politicians rather than their gender.”

According to the Office of the President, on ties between Taiwan and mainland China, the president said the two sides of the strait have always maintained diverse channels of communication. “Since taking office, we have been cautious when it comes to handling cross-strait relations.

“We do not take provocative measures and ensure there are no surprises. It is hoped we can gradually build mutual trust through exchanges of information.”

Tsai made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview conducted July 18 at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Other topics discussed include Taiwan’s defense capability, economic development and Taiwan-U.S. relations.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=246417&ctNode=2194&mp=9)