Taiwan reiterates sovereignty over islands in Sth China Sea

Taiwan reiterates sovereignty over islands in South China Sea

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) reiterated Sunday the Republic of China (Taiwan )'s sovereignty over various archipelagoes in the South China Sea.

In a press release, the MOFA said that no matter from what perspective -- history, geography or international law -- the Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Macclesfield Bank and Prates Islands , as well as their surrounding waters and respective seabeds and subsoils, all consist of the inherent territory of the ROC ( Taiwan ).

"It is undoubted these archipelagoes fall under the sovereignty of ROC (Taiwan)," it said.

Taiwan cannot accept any claim to sovereignty over, or occupation of, these areas by other countries or territories, it said.

It said that countries bordering the islands should respect the principles and spirit of relevant international laws, and refrain from adopting unilateral measures that might upset the peace and stability in the South China Sea , " it said.

The Taiwan government will seek to jointly explore natural resources in the South China Sea with other countries in according with the principles of "safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, peace and reciprocity, and joint exploration," MOFA said.

Taiwan also urges neighboring countries to exercise self-constraint so that peaceful resolutions to South China Sea disputes can be reached through consultation and dialogue, it added.

ENDS

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