Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-08-25

The foreign ministry on Friday reiterated Taiwan’s sovereignty claim to islands in the South China Sea. That’s after Vietnam objected to a live-fire drill carried out by Taiwanese personnel on Taiping island.

Taiping is the largest natural island in the Spratly chain. A detachment of Coast Guard Administration personnel is stationed there. The foreign ministry said that Taiping is part of Taiwan’s territory and Taiwan has the right to conduct regular drills there.

The ministry also said the government is willing to work with other claimant parties to promote peace and stability in the region. It said such cooperation would be on the basis of setting aside disputes, jointly developing resources and negotiating on an equal footing.    [FULL  STORY]