Taiwan weighs in on PH-China maritime row

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Jul 8): Taiwan weighs in on PH-China maritime row

Any arrangement or agreement – including arbitration proceedings – regarding islands in the South China Sea and their surrounding waters reached without Taiwan’s participation and consent will have no legal effect and will not be recognized by the Taiwanese government, Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs said yesterday.

In a statement issued on the first day of the Philippines’ presentation of its case against China regarding jurisdiction before the United Nations arbitral tribunal, Taiwan said it enjoys all the rights to these island groups and their surrounding waters in accordance with international law and the Taiwanese government “does not recognize any claim to sovereignty over or occupation areas by other countries, irrespective of the reasons put forward or methods used for such claim or occupation.”

The Taiwanese foreign ministry said the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Macclesfield Bank and Pratas Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, are an inherent part of Taiwan’s territory and waters.

Taiwan also called on countries with claims in the South China Sea to respect the spirit and principles of the UN Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to exercise restraint, safeguard peace and stability in the region by refraining from any unilateral action that might escalate tensions.

“The ROC (Republic of China) government will work to safeguard sovereignty, shelve disputes, pursue peace and reciprocity and promote joint development,” the foreign ministry statement said.

“Based on consultations conducted on an equal footing, the ROC is willing to work with other parties concerned to jointly ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea, as well as conserve and develop resources in the region,” the ministry said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/08/15/taiwan-weighs-ph-china-maritime-row