August 1, 2014
Press Release No. 169
On August 1, the Japanese government announced that it would name 158 currently unnamed islands in the East China Sea, including some of the Diaoyutai Islands. Japan does not have the authority to name islands and reefs appertaining to the Diaoyutais, which belong to the Republic of China, and the ROC government therefore strongly protests Japan’s move. The ROC government reiterates that this irresponsible action by Japan is both illegal and invalid, and in no way affects ROC sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands.
When the Japanese government named four islets of the Diaoyutai Islands on March 2, 2012, the ROC government also issued a solemn protest. In response to this new unilateral action by Japan, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has voiced strong objections through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, emphasizing that the ROC will not accept Japan’s decision and reiterating its consistent position that the Diaoyutai Islands are an inherent part of ROC territory. MOFA urges Japan to exercise self-restraint and refrain from jeopardizing ROC-Japan relations.
The ROC will staunchly and resolutely safeguard its sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands. On August 5, 2012, the ROC government proposed the East China Sea Peace Initiative, calling on all parties concerned to abide by international law, refrain from escalating tensions, and not abandon dialogue. Stressing that cooperation is better than conflict, the Initiative calls for negotiations and dialogue to ensure regional peace and stability, so that the East China Sea can be transformed into a “sea of peace and cooperation.” MOFA reiterates ROC sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands and solemnly demands that Japan, in consideration of regional peace and stability, put an end to such invalid and unilateral actions. (E)