Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/07/18
By: Tai Ya-chen and Frances Huang

Taipei, July 17 (CNA) Taiwan’s assertion of sovereignty over the Taiping Island in the wake of a ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has been widely covered by international media, Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan (童振源) said Monday.

In a case brought by the Philippines against China in 2013, the tribunal ruled on July 12 that none of the Spratly Islands, including the Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island (also known as Itu Aba Island) could be considered “islands” and are not eligible to claim 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zones.

Right after the arbitration ruling was laid down, Tung said, the government immediately called the ruling unacceptable since Taiwan was not invited to participate in the arbitration process to present its views.     [FULL  STORY]