11/25/2013
Department of International Affairs - Democratic Progressive Party
Several days
ago the PRC government announced that it unilaterally created the “East China
Sea Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ),” which includes part of Taiwan's
northeast air defense identification zone and is in close proximity to our
nation’s Penjiayu waters and therefore poses an enormous challenge to our
sovereignty and national defense. Chairman Su Tseng-chang of the Democratic
Progressive Party (DPP) responded immediately by asserting the Party’s firm
position on national sovereignty and security. Chair Su condemned China’s
conduct as an expression of regional hegemony and demanded that the Ma
administration not tolerate China's trespassing and impairing regional
stability via such irrational means.
Nevertheless, 48 hours have passed and apart from the National Security Council
voicing its concern through a statement and the Defense Ministry conveying its
regrets, Present Ma has not taken any concrete actions. Hence, at the specific
instruction of DPP Chairman Su, DPP Policy Research Committee Executive Director
Joseph Wu, International Affairs Department Director Liu Shih-chung, China
Affairs Department Director Honigmann Hong Tsai-lung and Convener of the
Defense Policy Advisory Committee York Chen made the following statement:
I.
The Chinese government’s unilateral
declaration of the ADIZ, which overlaps with Taiwan’s and Japan’s existing air
defense zones, not only runs counter to international norms but also represents
an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo. This has resulted in a rapid
escalation of tension in the Asia-Pacific region and seriously jeopardizes
regional stability and peace. The DPP solemnly remonstrates against such
irresponsible provocations and demands the Chinese government retract its ADIZ
announcement immediately.
II.
Since 2009, the Chinese government has
continuously claimed its “core national interests” over disputed territories
and, after the autumn of 2012, it deployed aircraft and vessels into the
disputed area in the East China Sea in the face of opposition from other
nations. This has led to an escalation of regional tension and hostility.
China’s expansionist behavior has constituted a challenge to regional
stability. The DPP has responded to Chinese conduct several times to call for
close attention from all parties and joint opposition to China’s expansionist
approaches. The DPP is deeply concerned that the world’s failure to take
substantial actions will only embolden China to launch military aggression
against its neighbors.
III.
The DPP supports US Secretary of State
John Kerry’s criticism of China’s unilateral attempt to alter the status quo
and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s reiteration that the US remains “steadfast
in our commitments to our allies and partners." The DPP is willing to work
with our international partners to safeguard regional peace and stability in
the Asia-Pacific.
IV.
After China unilaterally declared its
establishment of this air defense identification zone, the Ma administration’s
response to the issue was rather feeble—a mere expression of concern and regret
by different agencies, with no statement of opposition or denunciation. This
represents a serious dereliction of duty. The DPP is extremely disappointed in
the government's handling of the matter.
V.
History has shown that weakness only
breeds more aggressive expansion and costs nations more dearly afterward.
Therefore, the DPP issues three demands of the Ma’s administration:
(1)
That the government lodges a solemn
protest against China’s unilateral establishment of an ADIZ which challenges
the status quo in the Asia-Pacific region.
(2)
That the government maintains close
contact with concerned friendly nations to coordinate necessary cooperation and
pay attention to developments.
(3)
That, in order to defend our nation’s
sovereignty and national security with substantial action, military’s patrols
by Taiwan’s fighter jets and naval vessels in the nation’s own ADIZ in waters
off northeastern Taiwan should not be interrupted by China’s ADIZ announcement.
DPP condemns China's ADIZ announcement
11/25/2013
Department of International Affairs - Democratic Progressive Party
