The government of the Republic of China lodges its protest against the recent illegal occupation of Investigator Shoal and Erica Reef in the Nansha Islands by the Malaysian government, and the inclusion of the disputed Scarborough Shoal on its territorial map by the Philippine government, and hereby reiterates its sovereignty in the South China Sea.
The Nansha (Spratly) Islands, like the Shisha (Paracel) Islands, the Chungsha Islands (Macclesfield bank) and the Tungsha (Pratas) Islands, is part of the territories of the Republic of China, whether legally, historically, geographically or in reality. Its sovereignty undoubtedly belongs to the Republic of China. No country or civilian group can claim or occupy these islands for any reason whatsoever.
The South China Sea is a body of water of the Republic of China. The Republic of China has all rights and privileges in the South China Sea. Any activities (including the discussion on joint cooperation or on Code of Conduct, etc.) in the South China Sea region must acquire the approval of the government of the Republic of China.
The government of the Republic of China reiterates its aforementioned position and emphasises that its sovereignty, including rights and privileges, over the said islands, cannot be altered by any regional bilateral agreements or unilateral resolutions made by the ASEAN Regional Forum or any other forms of organisations.
