Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China

In light of the latest controversies in the East China Sea and the Diaoyutai Islands, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the Diaoyutais are an island group that belongs to Taiwan and are therefore an inherent part of the territory of the Republic of China.

It has been the Republic of China’s consistent position that the Diaoyutais were returned to the Republic of China along with Taiwan based on the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, the Instrument of Surrender of Japan, the Treaty of San Francisco and the Treaty of Peace between the Republic of China and Japan.

The Republic of China, however, understands that all parties concerned hold conflicting standpoints, and that this is the cause of the long-standing disputes and the recent rise of tensions in the region. The Republic of China therefore solemnly calls on all parties concerned to resolve disputes peacefully based on the UN Charter and relevant provisions in international law.

With respect to the Diaoyutai issue, the government of the Republic of China has consistently affirmed its position of “safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity, and promoting joint exploration and development.”

The Diaoyutai Islands are located in the East China Sea, which is an important air and sea transportation hub in the western Pacific, and therefore have clear significance for security and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, and in the world as a whole.

In order to foster regional peace and stability, economic prosperity and sustainable development of the marine environment, as well as to seek out a path to coexistence and mutual prosperity, the government of the Republic of China proposes the East China Sea Peace Initiative and calls on all parties concerned to:

1. Refrain from taking any antagonistic actions.
2. Shelve controversies and not abandon dialogue.
3. Observe international law and resolve disputes through peaceful means.
4. Seek consensus on a code of conduct in the East China Sea.
5. Establish a mechanism for cooperation on exploring and developing resources in the East China Sea.

The government of the Republic of China looks forward to all parties concerned working together on achieving the aims of the East China Sea Peace Initiative as soon as possible, so that the East China Sea can become a sea of “peace and cooperation.”