January 28, 2014
No. 015
1. The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology announced January 28 revisions to secondary school teaching manuals that include the false claim that the Diaoyutai Islands are the inherent territory of Japan. The Republic of China government strongly protests this move and reiterates that no unilateral move by Japan can change the fact that sovereignty over the islands belongs to the ROC. It also asserts that such moves are not beneficial to regional stability.
2. The ROC government has expressed serious concern and lodged a strong protest with Japan through diplomatic channels. It has reiterated its consistent position on the Diaoyutai Islands, namely, to safeguard sovereignty, shelve disputes, pursue peace and reciprocity, and promote joint exploration and development. The ROC emphasizes that any attempt to undermine its sovereignty is invalid and again urges all parties concerned to adhere to the East China Sea Peace Initiative and transform the East China Sea into a sea of peace and cooperation through peaceful dialogue, consultation, and cooperation.（E）