Taiwan rejects Philippines' renaming of South China Sea

ROC Central News Agency

2012/09/12 23:06:41

Taipei, Sept. 12 (CNA) Taiwan does not recognize a unilateral move by the Philippines to rename the South China Sea as the West Philippine Sea of the Republic of the Philippines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

The ministry issued a statement late that day in response to an administrative order recently signed by Philippines President Benigno Aquino III to officially rename the South China Sea.

The ministry reaffirmed in the statement that whether from the perspective of history, geography or international law, the Spratly Islands, the Paracel Islands, the Macclesfield Bank and the Pratas Islands as well as their surrounding waters, sea beds and subsoil, are all inherent parts of the territory of the Republic of China.

The ministry reiterated that it upholds the basic principles of "safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, peace and reciprocity, and joint exploration" and remains willing to work with other countries on exploring resources in the South China Sea.

(By Elaine Hou)
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