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Taiwan's Ma Ying-jeou visits disputed South China Sea island Taiwan's Ma Ying-jeou visits disputed South China Sea island
(about 3 hours later)
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has visited a disputed island in the South China Sea, in a show of sovereignty over the territory. Outgoing Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has visited a disputed island in the South China Sea, in a show of sovereignty over the territory.
The US and Vietnam have both criticised the trip, which Washington said could exacerbate tensions.The US and Vietnam have both criticised the trip, which Washington said could exacerbate tensions.
But Mr Ma said the US and Taiwan shared hopes of peace for the region.
Taiwan administers the island, which it calls Taiping but which is also known as Itu Aba. It is also claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam.Taiwan administers the island, which it calls Taiping but which is also known as Itu Aba. It is also claimed by China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Mr Ma, who has cultivated better ties with China, ends his term in May. The US called Mr Ma's trip "extremely unhelpful".
The incoming party leans towards independence for Taiwan. China sees Taiwan as a renegade province which will eventually be reunited with the mainland. But he said he had informed Washington of his trip a few days beforehand, and that he believed the two countries had the same goals for the South China Sea.
"We all hope for peace, hope there is no conflict or war," Mr Ma told reporters.
As well as the US and Vietnam, which said it "resolutely opposes" the visit, China too is unhappy about the trip. It said it had "undisputable authority" over islands in the South China Sea.
What is the South China Sea dispute?What is the South China Sea dispute?
It is Mr Ma's first visit to Tiaping/Itu Aba in his eight years as president.It is Mr Ma's first visit to Tiaping/Itu Aba in his eight years as president.
Speaking on the island, he reiterated a call for peaceful coexistence with other countries who claim it. Taiwan has been upgrading facilities on the island, where about 180 people live, most of them coastguard personnel.
Speaking on the island, he reiterated a call for peaceful coexistence with other countries who claimed it.
"All this evidence fully demonstrates that Taiping Island is able to sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own. Taiping Island is categorically not a rock, but an island," he said."All this evidence fully demonstrates that Taiping Island is able to sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own. Taiping Island is categorically not a rock, but an island," he said.
It is the largest natural island in the Spratly chain, although now thought to be only the fourth biggest overall, after China's large-scale land reclamation work on Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef.It is the largest natural island in the Spratly chain, although now thought to be only the fourth biggest overall, after China's large-scale land reclamation work on Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef.
Taiwan has been upgrading facilities on the island, where about 180 people live, most of them coastguard personnel. Mr Ma, who has cultivated better ties with China, ends his term in May.
As well as the US and Vietnam, which said it "resolutely opposes" the visit, China too is unhappy about the trip. It said it had "undisputable authority" over islands in the South China Sea. The incoming party leans towards independence for Taiwan. China sees Taiwan as a renegade province which will eventually be reunited with the mainland.
The Spratly archipelago has many overlapping territorial claims by nations bordering the South China Sea, which is claimed almost in entirety by China.The Spratly archipelago has many overlapping territorial claims by nations bordering the South China Sea, which is claimed almost in entirety by China.
Malaysia and Brunei also have claims involving the Spratly islands, though not involving this particular island.Malaysia and Brunei also have claims involving the Spratly islands, though not involving this particular island.