April 24, 2020
No. 103
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses strong protest and concern over recent unilateral and imprudent actions and statements by countries in the region pertaining to the South China Sea. The R.O.C. government reiterates that the South China Sea Islands are part of the territory of the R.O.C. It is indisputable that the R.O.C. is entitled to all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea.
The R.O.C. government urges all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could elevate tensions in the region. It also solemnly protests and calls for an immediate stop to any actions that infringe upon R.O.C. sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands.
The R.O.C. government maintains that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved by setting aside differences and promoting joint development. The R.O.C. is willing and able to participate in related consultation mechanisms. Based on the four principles and five actions outlined by President Tsai Ing-wen with regard to the South China Sea, and through negotiations conducted on the basis of equality, the R.O.C. is willing to work with other countries concerned to advance openness, peace, and stability and jointly uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. （E）