Chapter Five
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far have not been challenged, Taiwan does not have the power projection
capabilities to resist any potential use of force and defend areas currently
controlled by Taipei. Moreover, given its disputed status, it would hardly
find support in the international community. It is for these reasons that it
has, since the 1990s, emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution of the
dispute. It proposed, on multiple occasions, the separation of the political
issue from the joint development of the area for the common good.
In effort to underscore Taiwan’s claims, the Executive Yuan also
encouraged other concerned nations to adopt policies of cooperation, such
as in technical fields, environmental protection or emergency rescue
“provided that the nations concerned want to improve relations with the
ROC and that the ROC’s sovereignty over the islands is not affected.”
However, Taiwan’s position in the Spratlys was relatively weak as the
infrastructure on the Taiping Island did not permit military operability–for
example, there was no landing strip for planes to deliver supplies. Taiwan
therefore decided to send patrolling ships to protect fishermen and prevent
smuggling.
Works Cited
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[quoted 2013-10-10]. Available at WWW:
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on-the-conduct-of-parties-in-the-south-china-sea
Cole, M. J. "Taiwan’s Power Grab in the South China Sea." The Diplomat,
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china-sea/
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao's Regular Press Conference,
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http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw/s2510/2511/t406590.shtml
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