July 24, 2015
No. 137
The government of the Republic of China reiterates that from the perspectives of international law, history, geography, geology, and practical use, the Diaoyutai Islands, appertaining to Taiwan, are an inherent part of ROC territory. Sovereignty over the Diaoyutais belongs indisputably to the ROC. They fall under the administrative jurisdiction of Daxi Village, Toucheng Township, Yilan County. Any statements to the contrary, whether by ROC nationals or others, do not affect the fact of ROC sovereignty.
The ROC’s firm and unchanging position as concerns the Diaoyutai Islands is to safeguard sovereignty, shelve disputes, pursue peace and reciprocity, and promote joint exploration and development. The government is committed to defending the nation’s sovereignty over the islands and calls on all parties concerned to adhere to the principles of the East China Sea Peace Initiative, replacing confrontation with dialogue, putting disputes aside, and resolving disputes peacefully. (E)