Taiwan's leader ramps up island's claim to disputed Diaoyu Islands
President Ma Ying-jeou and aides announce symbolic visits to island near Dioayus, as the leader answers criticism that he is too soft
Taiwan is taking a more aggressive approach to reinforcing its territorial claims to contested islands in the South China and East China seas, in a move expected to escalate tensions in the region.
Taiwanese have been showing defiance over the islands, with a group of lawmakers sailing to the Spratly Islands yesterday. The government's national security chief earlier visited Taiping Island - the largest islet in the chain in the South China Sea - on the eve of a five-day live-fire drill that began on Saturday.
Meanwhile, President Ma Ying-jeou is planning a symbolic aerial inspection of the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
Presidential Office spokesman Fan Chiang Tai-chi confirmed yesterday that Ma would fly to the Taiwan-held Pengjia Islet, an uncontested island 76 nautical miles east of the Diaoyus, and would pass close to the disputed islands.
"As this involves the safety of the president, details of the trip will be released only after arrangements have been made," Fan Chiang said. The flight could be a chance for Ma to uphold Taiwan's claim to the Diaoyus, which are controlled by Japan (which calls them the Senkakus) but claimed by Taipei and Beijing. He reiterated that Taiwan would be unyielding in its sovereignty claims over the Diaoyus.
Taiwanese media reported yesterday that Ma was planning to fly by helicopter to Pengjia on Sunday to visit the Taiwanese coastguard and meteorological personnel stationed there.
He may also attend a briefing about the latest developments in the Diaoyus, then fly east to the edge of Taiwan's air defence zone for an aerial inspection of the nearby disputed archipelago.