TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry said on Tuesday (Nov. 11) that laws enacted in the Philippines and China’s new baselines for a contested shoal do not affect Taiwan’s sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea.
The actions of both countries do not “affect the fact that the South China Sea islands belong to the territory of the Republic of China,” the foreign ministry said in a statement using Taiwan’s formal name.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses serious concern that the Philippines and China have escalated disputes in the South China Sea, damaging regional peace and stability,” the statement said. The foreign ministry said all parties should exercise restraint while calling for Taiwan’s inclusion in talks over South China Sea issues.
The foreign ministry reiterated its position that there is “no doubt” Taiwan has rights over the South China Sea islands under international and maritime law. It also pointed to the “four principles and five actions” that outline Taiwan’s position in the South China Sea.
“Our county’s territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea and rights in related waters will be resolutely defended,” the foreign ministry said.
The Philippines passed two laws related to the South China Sea on Friday (Nov. 8). The laws clarified access to waters around the country’s coastline and disputed South China Sea islands, and outlined penalties for foreigners who break laws in related areas.
On Sunday (Nov. 10), China published new limitations for vessels operating around the Scarborough Shoal, which it claims sovereignty over alongside Taiwan and the Philippines. A statement from China’s foreign ministry said that the two Philippine laws violate China’s sovereignty, per AP.
The US said on Friday that it supported the Philippines' action. “The passage of the Maritime Zones Act by the Philippines is a routine matter and further clarifies Philippine maritime law,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Taiwan’s claims in the South China Sea are not recognized under international law. All of the islands Taiwan claims or controls there are also claimed by either China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, or some combination thereof.
