Taiwan opposes excessive claims for sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea or actions that could escalate regional tensions. That came from the Foreign Ministry on Monday, August 3, in response to the Philippines government declaration of territorial sea baselines around Scarborough Shoal, known in Taiwan as Minzhu Reef, and in China and Hong Kong as Huangyan Island.

Sovereignty over the atoll has been claimed by China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. It is now de facto under Chinese control, but with no permanent structures built on its rocks. According to Taiwan’s Cabinet, the country claimed the territorial sea baseline, territorial waters and contiguous zone boundaries for Scarborough Shoal in 1999.

The Philippines submitted its official nautical chart of Scarborough Shoal to the United Nations on Wednesday, July 29. In response, China launched a joint naval and airforce exercise near the feature on Saturday, August 1.

The Foreign Ministry said that Taiwan is a direct stakeholder in the South China Sea and an important contributor to regional peace and stability. It reiterated that South China Sea disputes should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other articles of international law. 

The ministry said Taiwan holds four principles on South China Sea issues: disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, Taiwan should be included in multilateral dispute resolution mechanisms, countries have an obligation to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and Taiwan is willing to set aside disputes and jointly pursue development in the region.