TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) on Wednesday defended a recent drill on Taiping Island after Vietnam protested, CNA reported.

Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said Sunday the exercise violated its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea. She said all foreign activities conducted without Vietnam’s consent infringe on its sovereignty, VnExpress reported.

The Coast Guard Administration held the “Nanyuan No. 9” joint exercise on Taiping Island on April 21. The drill included rescue operations, medical evacuations, and responses to marine pollution, and was overseen in person by Kuan. 

“Taiwan’s South China Sea policy aims to make the country a contributor to the international community,” Kuan said. She added that about 54 rescue missions have been carried out in recent years, demonstrating Taiwan’s operational presence and capabilities in the region. 

Taiping Island is the largest naturally formed island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and is administered by Taiwan. However, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines also claim the island as part of their territory. 

The dispute is part of broader overlapping claims in the South China Sea, where countries seek control over land, fishing areas, and potential energy resources.