With regard to the illegal visit by the Philippine civil organization Kalayaan Atin Ito to Zhongye (Thitu) Island in the Nansha (Spratly) Islands of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on December 27, 2015, the ROC government solemnly reiterates its position on the South China Sea as follows:
1. Whether from the perspective of history, geography, or international law, the Nansha (Spratly) Islands, Shisha (Paracel) Islands, Chungsha Islands (Macclesfield Bank), and Tungsha (Pratas) Islands (together known as the South China Sea 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. The South China Sea Islands were first discovered, named, and used, as well as incorporated into national territory, by the Chinese. Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which entered into effect on April 28, 1952, as well as the Treaty of Peace between the ROC and Japan, which was signed that same day and took effect on August 5 of the same year, together with other international legal instruments, reconfirmed that the islands and reefs in the South China Sea occupied by Japan should be returned to the ROC.
3. In summary, the ROC government adamantly opposes, and strongly protests, any illegal activities undertaken by the Philippine government or Philippine civil organizations on ROC islands in the South China Sea which infringe upon ROC sovereignty and impair peace and stability in the region. The ROC government will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate and lawful rights in the South China Sea region.
4. On May 26, 2015, the ROC government proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative, which is based on the principles of safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity, and promoting joint development. 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.
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