Responding to severe criticism from lawmakers over the military's planned replacement of troops on the Pratas (東沙) and Spratly (南沙) Islands with marine police, Minister of national Defense Tang Fei (唐飛) yesterday said the plan actually represents a big step in the direction of the peaceful cultivation and development of resources in the South China Sea.
"We meant it as a token of peace, and we hope other countries involved will follow suit to jointly develop resources in the South China Sea on the basis of peace and reason," Tang said.
Tang made the remarks at a press conference specially called to defend himself against accusations by lawmakers that he was selling out Taiwan by this "withdrawal" of troops from Pratas and Spratly Islands.
"To defend small islands like the Pratas and Spratlys, which sit over 800 nautical miles away from Taiwan, requires the support of air and naval forces. Without support of that kind, the islands effectively have no defense," Tang said.
Major General Chang Kan-ping (張勘平), director of the joint operation department of the Ministry of National Defense, said the armed forces have 100 percent confidence in launching a successful counter-attack against potential invasions of the two islands by hostile forces.
If Tungsha and Taiping (principle Taiwan-held islands in the Pratas and Spratlys groups) come under attack, Tang said, the military has to think carefully before sending reinforcements to the region.
"We have to consider whether the attacks are targeted specifically on Tungsha or Taiping. Otherwise our reinforcements run the risk of being destroyed piecemeal by the enemy," Tang said.
"We are also willing to follow international rules and UN charters to peacefully resolve territorial disputes," he said.
"We would like to develop fishing activities and tourism and to cultivate potential mineral resources in the region. We have taken a step forward. We hope other countries concerned will do the same."
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