On Jan. 28, ROC President Ma Ying-jeou led government officials and scholars on a visit to Taiping Island in the Nansha Islands. He explained the four objectives of the trip: first, visiting personnel stationed on the island ahead of the Lunar New Year; second, unveiling the South China Sea Peace Initiative Roadmap; third, explaining the purpose of peaceful use of Taiping Island; and fourth, clarifying the legal status of the island. Following is the talk he delivered on the island:
I am very happy to be here today on Taiping Island ahead of the Lunar New Year with all of you stationed in the Nansha Islands, part of the southern territories of the Republic of China. In addition to affirming your hard work and sacrifices, I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Before every Lunar New Year I pay special visits to our men and women in the military, police, fire departments, coast guard, medical services, and environmental protection. This year I am starting with our coast guard personnel stationed furthest from Taiwan proper, here 1,600 kilometers away on Taiping Island, to show the great importance we attach to you and your mission.
More infomation: Foreign Press Liaison Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan), Remarks by President Ma Ying-jeou on Taiping Island, Press Release
Jan. 28, 2016
