Taiping Island: Key site in ROC’s territory in South China Sea

In 1946, three years before its relocation to Taiwan, the government of the Republic of China officially declared its sovereignty over Taiping Island and other islets in the South China Sea.

Since that time, the ROC has governed Taiping Island effectively while successfully avoiding armed conflicts with other nations concerning these islands or their surrounding waters. Taiping is the only one of the Nansha Islands that has fresh water and can sustain economic life of its own. In addition to water, electricity, transportation and agricultural infrastructure, a hospital, post office, temple, weather station and ecological trail have also been established on Taiping to make the island fully habitable.

In addition, Taiwan has conducted field studies on Taiping Island, particularly researching the biodiversity, geology and oceanography of the island since 2009. This research has contributed to international studies on the natural resources of the South China Sea.

The ROC government has also paid special attention to local ecological and environmental protection, turning the island and its waters into prime feeding areas for seabirds. Measures are also in place to protect local beaches, ensuring optimal nesting grounds for green turtles and other endangered species.With different nations competing for resources in the region, President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative on May 26, 2015.

Through this initiative, the ROC is willing to work with other concerned parties to peacefully resolve disagreements and share resources, in accordance with the principles of safeguarding sovereignty, shelving disputes, pursuing peace and reciprocity, and promoting joint development. The ROC government is committed to preserving the natural and cultural assets of Taiping Island, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, and advancing peace, stability and prosperity in the South China Sea.

Documentary film on Taiping Island

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