Ma Ying-jeou, who would soon step down as president of Taiwan, wants to leave a legacy of peace within the region. He believes he could do that by visiting Taiping Island, one of the disputed islands that China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam are fighting over.
The outgoing president visited the island, also known as Itu Aba, on Thursday. The island, administered by Taiwan, is the largest naturally occurring land mass in the Spratlys. Ma spearheaded initiatives during his term to make Taiping low carbon and a place where vessels of any flag could seek shelter during storms.
Even before the election this month, Ma had proposed in 2015 for the four countries battling for control of the island to set aside their dispute and talk on how they could share resources of the 1.35 million-square-mile island in South China Sea. He repeated his call on Thursday.
As a result of his efforts, the island has a small medical facility with 10 beds, a lighthouse, solar panels worth $129 million and a small airport that is used by the military.
Asian nations are battling for ownership of the islands known for its rich marine resources and possible fossil fuel deposits. The region is also a vital shipping route used by international vessels.
But while calling for peace, at the same time, Ma insisted the islands belong to the Republic of China (ROC). The president said, “The Nansha (Spratly) Islands, Shisha (Paracel) Islands, Chungsa (Macclesfield Bank) Islands, and Tungsha (Pratas) Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, are an inherent part of ROC territory and waters, and the ROC enjoys all rights over these islands and their surrounding waters in accordance with international law. This is indisputable,” quoted CNN.
While Ma, who is stepping down after eight years of leading Taiwan, has initiated efforts to improve tourism and trade ties between Taipei and Beijing, his legacy could be revered by incoming President Tsia Ing-wen who has expressed her anti-Beijing stance.