Taiwan's 'peace initiative' to resolve South China Sea disputes

Taipei, May 26 (IANS/EFE) Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Tuesday presented a five-point peace initiative to relieve escalating tensions in the South China Sea, advocating peaceful negotiations and the joint exploitation of resources as a means to end disputes.

In a speech to an international forum, Ma called on disputing parties to refrain from unilateral actions that increase tensions, to archive sovereignty disputes, and to establish co-operative mechanisms for the joint exploitation of resources.

The initiative, similar to one launched in August 2012 addressing tensions in the East China Sea, was announced on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Research Forum, organised by the International Law Association (Taiwan) and the American Society of International Law.

The president used the marking of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II to observe that countries should learn the painful lessons of history, avoid conflicts and promote regional peace and prosperity.

Ma urged all regional parties to respect the Charter of the UN and its conventions, the principles and spirit of international law, the negotiated and peaceful resolution of disputes, the maintenance of freedom, and the safety of flight and navigation.

He also advocated for the establishment of mechanisms for negotiations that encourage cooperation, and of a code of conduct for all parties to the disputes.

Finally, Ma advocated the creation of a mechanism for coordination and cooperation on environment protection, scientific research, the fight against crime at sea, humanitarian assistance and relief, and other non-traditional security issues.

The Taiwanese president said that Taiwan, one of the countries disputing sovereignty of islands in the South China Sea and currently occupying the island of Taiping (Itu Aba) in the Spratly Islands, was willing to join efforts to turn the area into "a sea of peace and cooperation",

Several governments, including those of Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, China and Vietnam, have claimed all or part of the islands of the South China Sea.

The US has also intervened in the dispute in the interest of freedom of navigation and flight in the area, and has offered support to allies, including the Philippines.

--IANS/EFE

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