ROC (Taiwan) has indisputable ownership of all South China Sea Islands; China has no right to undertake inappropriate actions over Minzhu Reef, which belongs to Taiwan

September 11, 2025

Statement No. 001

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) solemnly issues the following statement: On September 9, the State Council of China announced the approval of a proposal to establish the so-called "Huangyan Island national nature reserve" under the pretext of "strengthening supervision and law enforcement." China has no right to illegally and unilaterally designate a protected area on Minzhu Reef, which China calls "Huangyan Island." The Chinese government's unilateral action reveals its hegemonic ambitions and exposes it as a disruptor of regional peace and stability. The move could lead to disputes among countries in the region and is detrimental to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific.

MOFA reiterates that the ROC (Taiwan) enjoys territorial sovereignty over the South China Sea Islands and their relevant waters in accordance with international law and the law of the sea. This fact will not be altered by China's unilateral claims or actions. The ROC (Taiwan) is willing to further work with countries in the region, the Philippines included, to peacefully settle disputes through rational dialogue and in accordance with international law and the law of the sea, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, so as to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will continue to seek to engage in multilateral dialogue and dispute resolution mechanisms on an equal footing based on its four principles and five actions, and work with other countries in the region to maintain security in the South China Sea. (E)