President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) yesterday reiterated the Republic of China’s (ROC) sovereignty over Itu Aba Island (Taiping Island, 太平島), touting its many physical attributes, which he said were conducive to permanent human habitation.
Ma made the remarks while attending a year-end banquet with top military officials at the Ministry of National Defense.
The president stressed that Itu Aba is an “island,” and not a “rock.”
Ma said he visited the island last week to inspect the facilities and give recognition to Taiwanese officials and troops stationed there, adding that the trip has very important implications for asserting the nation’s sovereignty over the island.
“Taiping Island has its own water resources. It can provide 60 tonnes of good-quality freshwater each day, of which 3 tonnes can directly be used as drinking water. The water supply there is 99 percent freshwater,” the president said.
Branding the island the “bright pearl of the South China Sea” (南海明珠), Ma said it is “full of lush tree growth, with abundant vegetation and teeming with life.”
It provides prime conditions for human habitation, he said.
“It is definitely not a desolate reef,” he said.
Blessed with fertile soil, the island produces a variety of fruit and vegetables, in addition to more than 100 tropical trees, Ma said.
Troops stationed on the island have also raised chickens, goats and dogs, he said.
“Our nation has people stationed there long term to manage and defend the island. These are important proofs of the ROC’s sovereignty over Taiping Island and its surrounding territories over the past 60 years,” Ma added.
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