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Chen pays
visit to Dongsha Islands
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'SPRATLY INITIATIVE': The
president said that, rather than fight over islands in the South China Sea,
nations should seek to preserve the environment
STAFF WRITER, WITH CNA
Monday, Feb 11, 2008, Page 1
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"Inhabitants of Taiwan have the obligation to protect the marine ecosystem."¡ÐPresident Chen Shui-bian
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A boy at the
Hunghua Orphanage in Taoyuan County's Dayuan Township receives a red
envelope from President Chen Shui-bian yesterday. ¡@ PHOTO: CNA |
President Chen Shui-bian (³¯¤ô«ó) yesterday paid a third visit to the Dongsha
Islands and used the occasion to call on neighboring countries to hold dialogue
with Taiwan to settle territorial disputes over islands in the South China Sea,
as well as preserve marine life in the region.
"As oceanic people, inhabitants of Taiwan have the obligation to protect the
marine ecosystem in the region. We also urge our neighboring countries to join
us in resolving sovereignty issues in a peaceful manner," he said.
The president repeated the plea he had made during his visit to the Spratly
Islands two weeks ago, calling on the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia
to resolve their disputes through peaceful negotiations.
Chen said his "Spratly Initiative" called for environmental protection to
replace the political disputes and depletion of natural resources.
The president said Taiwan would respect the Declaration on the Conduct of
Parties in the South China Sea signed by ASEAN nations in November 2002 and that
Taiwan looks forward to participating in the establishment of a Code of Conduct
in the South China Sea.
The Dongsha Islands, also known as the Pratas Islands, consists of three islands
located in the northeastern South China Sea. The islands are rich in rare fauna
and flora.
The islands are administered by Taiwan under the jurisdiction of the Kaohsiung
City Government.
In January last year, the Dongsha Marine National Park was established. It is
the nation's newest and largest national park.
During his visit, Chen, accompanied by Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu
(§õ¤Ñ¦Ð), said the national park was proof of Taiwan's dedication and commitment to
marine conservation.
He said Taiwan would continue its efforts and called on neighboring countries to
join in.
The president said Southeast Asian countries should emulate the Micronesia
Challenge posed by Palauan President Tommy Remengesau in 2005. Remengesau
challenged the leaders of Micronesian countries to conserve 30 percent of near
shore marine resources and 20 percent of forest resources by 2020.
"In the past, the Dongsha and Spratly Islands have been associated with army
bases and military conflict. This mentality has overlooked the precious
ecological and marine life that exists in the region," Chen said.
He said that whenever he flies to the islands, the word "fulfillment" enters his
mind.
"We [the Taiwanese people] can enjoy the beauty of marine ecology without having
to travel all the way to the South Pacific. To me, this is one of the greatest
gifts that God has bestowed upon the Taiwanese people," Chen said.
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