The government of the Republic of China calls for peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea and reiterates its position as follows:
(1) Whether from the perspective of history, geography, or international law, the Nansha (Spratly) Islands, Shisha (Paracel) Islands, Chungsha (Macclesfield Bank), and Tungsha (Pratas) Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, are an inherent part of ROC territory and waters. As the ROC enjoys all rights to these islands and their surrounding waters in accordance with international law, the ROC government does not recognize any claim to sovereignty over, or occupation of, these areas by other countries, irrespective of the reasons put forward or methods used for such claim or occupation.
(2) In response to current developments in the South China Sea, the ROC government calls upon all concerned parties to take account of President Ma Ying-jeou’s South China Sea Peace Initiative and adopt conduct contributing to regional peace, stability, and balance; respect the principles and spirit of relevant international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; jointly uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight through the South China Sea; refrain from escalating tensions; and resolve disputes peacefully.
(3) The ROC is fully prepared to engage in dialogue with other parties concerned on a basis of equality and reciprocity to transform the South China Sea into a “Sea of Peace and Cooperation.”
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