TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) asserted on Tuesday (Nov. 12) that the recent actions by the Philippines and China do not alter the fact that the South China Sea islands are part of the Republic of China's territory. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan's territorial sovereignty remains unchallengeable.
The Philippines enacted two new laws on Nov. 8 to bolster its claims in the South China Sea, where President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. Meanwhile, China announced the baselines for the territorial sea of Scarborough Shoal on Sunday and publicly named 64 South China Sea features, including the Second Thomas Shoal, with Chinese names and coordinates.
MOFA underscored that Taiwan's rights over the South China Sea islands and surrounding waters are protected under international law and the law of the sea. The ministry stated that these rights will not change due to any unilateral claims by other nations.
It expressed serious concern over the escalating tensions in the South China Sea and called for restraint among all parties. The ministry urged a resolution through multilateral dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms. Reaffirming Taiwan's stance, the ministry highlighted its commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
Taiwan supports peaceful dispute resolution based on international law. The ministry expressed Taiwan's willingness to cooperate with relevant countries to maintain and promote peace and stability in the region by adhering to its "four principles" and "five actions" and adopting a "shelve disputes, pursue joint development" (擱置爭議、共同開發) approach.