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Premier calls South China Sea ruling unacceptable

ROC Central News Agency

2016/07/14 16:50:29

Taipei, July 14 (CNA) Premier Lin Chuan (林全) said Thursday the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague's reference to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as "Taiwan Authority of China" in its ruling is inappropriate as it downgraded the ROC's sovereignty status, according to Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源).

At a Cabinet meeting, Lin also criticized the court for "inflating" its power arbitrarily by declaring that the Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, which was not included in the original arbitration case, is legally a "rock," but not an island and therefore is entitled only to a 12-mile maritime zone rather than a 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

The ruling undercut Taiwan's claims and seriously undermined Taiwan's maritime rights in the South China Sea, according to Lin.

In addition, Lin said that the tribunal did not consult with Taiwan or invite it to participate in its proceedings. Therefore, the ruling is "unacceptable" to and not legally binding on Taiwan.

The premier also said the ROC is entitled to rights in accordance with international law and the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea over the South China Sea islands and their relevant waters and the government will continue to safeguard its sovereignty over the islands, according to Tung.

Lin also called for peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea by upholding the principle of "shelving disputes and seeking joint development." He said Taiwan is willing to help maintain peace and stability in the region and jointly protect and develop resources there with other concerned countries on an equal basis.

Moreover, Taiwan should be included in multilateral talks on dispute settlement in the South China Sea, Lin said, adding that through multilateral negotiations, the country hopes to discuss with other concerned countries ways to set up coordination and cooperation mechanisms to promote environmental protection, scientific research, maritime crime fighting, and humanitarian and disaster relief as well as peace and stability in the region.

(By Tai Ya-chen and Evelyn Kao)
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