The Republic of China`s Policy toward the South China Sea: A Review

Abstract

The sovereignty dispute over the Spratly (Nansha) Islands is an intricate problem which has long troubled the government of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. In the past, passive declaration of sovereignty was the main course of official policy. It was not until 1993 that, because of the escalation of tension among the claimant states, the ROC government adopted a new policy on the issue. The Policy Guidelines for the South China Sea is now the basic legal framework for the ROC`s future actions. While welcoming the adoption of the new policy, the author highlights certain problems. First, the main components of the policy are outlined. Second, problematic areas are examined, including the introduction of the ”historic waters” argument. Finally, suggestions are made for the improvement of the policy.