President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday paid a third visit to the Dongsha Islands and used the occasion to call on neighboring countries to hold dialogue with Taiwan to settle territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea, as well as preserve marine life in the region.
"As oceanic people, inhabitants of Taiwan have the obligation to protect the marine ecosystem in the region. We also urge our neighboring countries to join us in resolving sovereignty issues in a peaceful manner," he said.
The president repeated the plea he had made during his visit to the Spratly Islands two weeks ago, calling on the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia to resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations.
PHOTO: CNA
Chen said his "Spratly Initiative" called for environmental protection to replace the political disputes and depletion of natural resources.
The president said Taiwan would respect the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by ASEAN nations in November 2002 and that Taiwan looks forward to participating in the establishment of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
The Dongsha Islands, also known as the Pratas Islands, consists of three islands located in the northeastern South China Sea. The islands are rich in rare fauna and flora.
The islands are administered by Taiwan under the jurisdiction of the Kaohsiung City Government.
In January last year, the Dongsha Marine National Park was established. It is the nation's newest and largest national park.
During his visit, Chen, accompanied by Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu (
He said Taiwan would continue its efforts and called on neighboring countries to join in.
The president said Southeast Asian countries should emulate the Micronesia Challenge posed by Palauan President Tommy Remengesau in 2005. Remengesau challenged the leaders of Micronesian countries to conserve 30 percent of near shore marine resources and 20 percent of forest resources by 2020.
"In the past, the Dongsha and Spratly Islands have been associated with army bases and military conflict. This mentality has overlooked the precious ecological and marine life that exists in the region," Chen said.
He said that whenever he flies to the islands, the word "fulfillment" enters his mind.
"We [the Taiwanese people] can enjoy the beauty of marine ecology without having to travel all the way to the South Pacific. To me, this is one of the greatest gifts that God has bestowed upon the Taiwanese people," Chen said.
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