Headline
PH objects to Taiwan’s live-fire drills off Ligaw Island
“The Philippines expresses its strong objection over the unlawful live-fire drills to be conducted by Taiwan (China) on 28 to 29 June 2022 within the vicinity of Ligaw Island,” it said. (File photo: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)
MANILA – The Philippine government on Tuesday expressed its “strong objection” to Taiwan’s unlawful live-fire drills off the coast of Ligaw Island, describing the move as an “illegal activity” that “raises tensions and complicates the situation in the South China Sea.”
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the island, also known as Itu Aba, is an integral part of the Kalayaan Island Group.
“The Philippines expresses its strong objection over the unlawful live-fire drills to be conducted by Taiwan (China) on 28 to 29 June 2022 within the vicinity of Ligaw Island,” it said.
“Ligaw Island is an integral part of the Kalayaan Island Group over which the Philippines has sovereignty.”
According to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Taiwan took permanent possession of the feature in 1956.
techNFC
June 29, 2022 at 5:41 PM
The problem is that Taiwan wasn’t given any official opportunity to have a say in the case because it was not part of the arbitration case in any capacity, is not officially recognized as a country by the UN because of China (PRC), and the arbitration ruling technically doesn’t really apply to Taiwan primarily because Taiwan has no UN membership. The arbitration case was between Philippines and PRC NOT Taiwan. Either the case needs to be revisited but with Taiwan’s involvement this time or a new case be created to settle the dispute between Taiwan and PH. PRC must stay out because PRC already had their say and their maritime claims are proven invalid.