The foreign ministry restated Taiwan’s claim to sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The ministry made the statement on Tuesday in light of a recent report by Jean’s Defense Weekly that China is building an island in that area. The Spratly Islands are also claimed by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Kao said Taiwan has claims over the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas Islands, Macclesfield Bank, and the surrounding waters. Kao said that’s a fact whether you look at it from history, geography, or international law.
In regards to disputes in the South China Sea, Kao also said Taiwan believes in safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, and encouraging joint exploration.
Meanwhile, US official Jeff Rathke called for China to abide by its vow in the Declaration on the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea to keep all actions in the South China Sea transparent.