MOFA urges dialogue to resolve South China Sea disputes

Taipei, June 28 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Saturday urged dialogue to resolve South China Sea disputes after the Philippines officially endorsed new names for more than 130 features in the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), part of the Spratly Islands.

In a statement, MOFA urged all parties claiming sovereignty over the South China Sea to exercise restraint, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, abide by international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and engage in rational dialogue to resolve disputes in the region.

Islands in the South China Sea and their surrounding waters are claimed, in whole or in part, by several countries, including Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

MOFA's statement followed Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo's Friday announcement on X that he had officially signed a National Maritime Council initiative to adopt standardized Philippine names for 131 features in the KIG.

The Philippine News Agency quoted Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza saying the move "will help demonstrate the Philippines' right to name such features within its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction under UNCLOS."

In response to CNA's inquiry, MOFA said an international consensus has been reached to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

For the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name), MOFA said it has adopted a vision to resolve disputes by setting aside differences and pursuing joint development of the area.

Based on the "four principles" and "five actions" outlined by then-President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) in July 2016, and in accordance with UNCLOS, MOFA said Taiwan will continue to seek equal participation in multilateral dialogue and dispute resolution.

The ministry also aims to promote marine ecology protection and resource development in the South China Sea to maintain regional peace, stability and sustainability.