PFG-2 Cheng Kung Class Frigates - Naval Technology |
TAIPEI
(REUTERS) - Taiwan is considering stationing armed vessels permanently
on a disputed South China Sea island, officials said, a move bound to
renew friction in a region claimed almost wholly by China, with Vietnam
already dismissing such a plan as "illegal".
The potentially energy-rich Spratly islands are one of the main flashpoints in the South China Sea, with claims also from Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, and are closely watched by the United States after China placed a giant oil rig in nearby waters also claimed by Vietnam.
Itu Aba, also known as Tai Ping, is the only island in the Spratlys large enough to accommodate a port - currently under construction. Taiwan had previously said the port, expected to be completed in late 2015, would allow 3,000-tonne naval frigates and coastguard cutters to dock there.
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/asia-report/south-china-sea/story/taiwan-considers-permanent-armed-ships-disputed-sout#sthash.eiVJluC2.dpuf
The potentially energy-rich Spratly islands are one of the main flashpoints in the South China Sea, with claims also from Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, and are closely watched by the United States after China placed a giant oil rig in nearby waters also claimed by Vietnam.
Itu Aba, also known as Tai Ping, is the only island in the Spratlys large enough to accommodate a port - currently under construction. Taiwan had previously said the port, expected to be completed in late 2015, would allow 3,000-tonne naval frigates and coastguard cutters to dock there.
- See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/asia-report/south-china-sea/story/taiwan-considers-permanent-armed-ships-disputed-sout#sthash.eiVJluC2.dpuf
TAIPEI (REUTERS) - Taiwan is
considering stationing armed vessels permanently on a disputed South China Sea
island, officials said, a move bound to renew friction in a region claimed
almost wholly by China, with Vietnam already dismissing such a plan as
"illegal".
The potentially energy-rich Spratly
islands are one of the main flashpoints in the South China Sea, with claims
also from Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei, and are closely watched by the
United States after China placed a giant oil rig in nearby waters also claimed
by Vietnam.
Itu Aba (Tai Ping) Island |
Itu Aba, also known as Tai Ping, is
the only island in the Spratlys large enough to accommodate a port - currently
under construction. Taiwan had previously said the port, expected to be
completed in late 2015, would allow 3,000-tonne naval frigates and coastguard
cutters to dock there.
Spratlys and Environs |
The island is administered by the Republic of China on Taiwan, as part of Cijin, Kaohsiung. It is also claimed by the People's Republic of China, the Philippines and Vietnam. The distance from Kaohsiung to Taiping Island is about 1,600 km (990 mi). The nearby Zhongzhou Reef is also under the control of the ROC.
1 comment:
I'm sure this will stir up trouble with the mainland. Guess we will standby and see what unfolds.
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