China/Taiwan/South China Sea: Taiwan Promotes Its Island Claim in South China Sea

Jul 18, 2015 | Ralph Jennings, Associated Press
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As China builds artificial islands in a vast resource-rich South China Sea and neighbors in Southeast Asia brace for possible conflict, Taiwan is cutting carbon emissions and offering a hospital for humanitarian aid on the sea's largest natural islet to seek international approval for easing tension. Taiwan's unusual use of Taiping Island in the heavily contested Spratly archipelago may appeal particularly to the United States, a staunch, long-time informal ally that has at least scrutinized the legal basis for Taiwan's maritime claims. Washington, seeking stable relations with China as well, has also urged the six claimants to cooperate rather than fight.