TAIPEI, Taiwan – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has taken note of an Associated Press report that China appears to be constructing an airstrip on Zhongjian (Triton) Island, which is part of the Shisha (Paracel) Islands.
“MOFA reiterates that the South China Sea Islands, including the Shisha Islands, are part of the territory of the R.O.C. It is indisputable that the R.O.C. is entitled to all rights over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea.
“MOFA urges all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could elevate tensions in the South China Sea. It maintains that disputes in the South China Sea should be peacefully resolved by setting aside differences and promoting joint development so as to jointly uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.”
Source: Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs