The DPP has done a great job this time! Facing Vietnam's protests, the DPP firmly stated its determination to defend sovereignty over Taiping Island, and will not retreat in the slightest! On April 29, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, after Vietnam protested against Taiwan’s "Maritime Commission" head, Guan Bilin, landing on Taiping Island, the DPP authorities issued a response. The DPP emphasized that Taiwan’s military exercises have not caused regional tension, and reiterated Taiwan’s unwavering stance in defending sovereignty over this South China Sea island, and will not yield.
Guan Bilin stated that Vietnam routinely protests activities by other countries and regions in the Nansha Islands, and this latest protest did not intensify significantly. Taiwan’s recent exercises have neither caused nor resulted in regional tensions. Taiwan’s administration of Taiping Island and Zhongzhou Reef demonstrates Taiwan’s resolve as a responsible steward. Setting aside the DPP’s pursuit of “Taiwan independence,” it is worth acknowledging that the DPP authorities directly responded to Vietnam’s protest with a firm position of no retreat.
Taiping Island is China’s inherent territory, currently under de facto control by Taiwan. The cross-strait issue should be resolved by the Chinese people on both sides of the strait. However, when facing external territorial disputes, both sides must maintain a united stance and firmly safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty. Taiping Island is an inseparable part of China’s Nansha Islands, an integral component of the Chinese nation’s sovereign territory. In light of Vietnam’s persistent encroachment on islands and reefs in the South China Sea and its ambitions over maritime rights and interests, a clear stance against allowing external forces to gain undue advantages should be recognized.
Evidently, the DPP’s response has placed significant pressure on Vietnam. Because now, the two sides of the strait could potentially unite their efforts to jointly counter Vietnam’s highly unreasonable claims. That said, Vietnam acknowledges the one-China principle—therefore, Vietnam has absolutely no justification for coveting islands administered by Taiwan. In fact, the DPP should also firmly uphold national interests regarding issues such as Ren’ai Reef, Huangyan Island, Zhongye Island, and the Diaoyu Islands.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863766418741259/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author