Taiwan has opposed what it described as “excessive claims” to sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea following the Philippines’ declaration of territorial sea baselines around Scarborough Shoal, which Taiwan refers to as Minzhu Reef.

In a statement issued on August 3, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it opposes actions that could escalate tensions in the disputed waters and reiterated that Scarborough Shoal is among the maritime features over which Taiwan also asserts sovereignty.

According to Taipei, it established territorial sea baselines, territorial waters, and contiguous zone boundaries around the atoll as early as 1999. The reaction came after the Philippines submitted its official nautical chart of Scarborough Shoal to the United Nations on July 29, reinforcing Manila’s maritime claim over the feature.

China later responded by conducting joint naval and air force exercises near the disputed shoal. Taiwan stressed that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other principles of international law.

It also reiterated its long-standing position that Taiwan should be included in multilateral mechanisms addressing disputes in the region and expressed support for maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

The ministry further said Taiwan remains willing to set aside sovereignty disputes and pursue joint development with other parties while contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.