Premier Lin Chuan has criticized the Hague tribunal’s recent ruling on the South China Sea. At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Lin took issue with three points in the verdict handed down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the dispute brought by the Philippines against China..
First, Lin said the ruling inappropriately referred to Taiwan as “Taiwan Authority of China,” a term he says belittles Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lin also criticized the ruling that Taiping Island, administered from Taipei, is a “rock,” not an island. Lin said the ruling on the island’s status hurts Taiwan’s sovereignty in the South China Sea. Finally, Lin expressed regret that Taiwan was not invited to take part in the court’s proceedings. Lin said that Taiwan cannot accept the verdict.
At the same time, Lin gave a four point summary of the government’s position on the South China Sea. First, he said, Taiwan has a right to the islands of the South China Sea and the waters that surround them. Lin said Taiwan will continue to insist on its sovereignty in the South China Sea. Second, Lin said that Taiwan is willing to put aside its differences with other claimants, jointly develop the area and promote regional stability.
Third, Lin said Taiwan should be included in a multilateral mechanism for resolving disputes in the area. Lastly, Lin said that all sides should hold dialogue and work together to deal with crimes at sea and protect the environment.
