President Ma Ying-jeou, the Republic of China (Taiwan), unveiled May 26, 2015 his South China Sea Peace Initiative, calling on all countries and territories in the region to employ it in resolving disputes and developing resources.
"In view of rising tensions in this region, the ROC, drawing on its successful peacemaking experiences in the East China Sea, solemnly pledges to take the lead in advancing peace and prosperity through this initiative," Ma said.
"Whether from the perspective of history, geography or international law, the Dongsha [Pratas], Nansha [Spratly], Shisha [Paracel] and Zhongsha [Macclesfield Bank], as well as their surrounding waters, are an indisputable part of ROC territory. The nation holds full rights over them in accordance with international law."
The president made the remarks at the 2015 Asia-Pacific Research Forum hosted by the International Law Association and American Society of International Law in Taipei City.
Under the initiative, all parties are urged to observe international law; exercise restraint and refrain from taking any unilateral action; shelve sovereignty disputes and seek peaceful settlements through dialogue; and establish coordination and cooperation mechanisms.
"Over the past few years, disagreements concerning issues in the South China Sea have been increasing, eliciting widespread concern in the international community," Ma said. "As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is important to heed the lessons of history and commit to the advancement of common peace and prosperity."
According to the president, although sovereignty cannot be divided, natural resources can be shared. "The East China Sea Peace Initiative I proposed in August 2012 is testament to the success of this cooperative approach," he said.
Such an initiative helped ease tensions surrounding the Diaoyutai Islands and saw the inking of a landmark fisheries agreement between Taiwan and Japan in April 2013, ending disputes dating back 40 years.
By implementing integrated planning and zonal development while setting aside sovereignty disputes, Ma said, an equally viable path can be established with the view to resolving South China Sea issue.
"In line with the principles of the U.N. Charter, U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea and other relevant international laws, multilateral dialogue and consultations should be entered into with a view to reaching consensus on a code of conduct, as well as resource management and development.
"The ROC is willing to work with its partners to pursue reciprocity and promote joint progress, transforming the South China Sea into one of peace and cooperation like the East China Sea." |
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