THE Philippines has registered strong opposition to what it said was Taiwan’s “illegal” live fire drills within the vicinity of Ligaw island, which it said is an integral part of the Kalayaan Island Group.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the two-day live fire drill that ended yesterday, June 29, would only raise tension in the South China Sea.
“The Philippines expresses its strong objection over the unlawful fire drills to be conducted by Taiwan on 28 to 29 June 2022 within the vicinity of Ligaw island,” the DFA said.
“Ligaw island is an integral part of the Kalayaan Island Group over which the Philippines has sovereignty. Moreover, this illegal activity raises tension and complicates the situation in the South China Sea,” the DFA added.
Also known as Itu Aba, Ligaw Island is the largest natural feature in the disputed Spratlys in the South China Sea.
Taiwan maintains a coast guard detachment in the area to safeguard its claim over the island, which it had called Taiping.
The island, which lies over 930 miles from the southern part of Taiwan, has its own airport, power station and a radar facility.
According to the think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, Taiwan took possession of the island in 1956.
Aside from Taiwan and the Philippines, the island is also claimed by China and Vietnam.
However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in its 2016 ruling on the Philippine case against China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, held that the Ligaw feature is legally a “rock.”
This means that the exclusive economic zone claim around the area by Taiwan can no longer be asserted, precluding any overlap with the Philippines’ nearest coast in Palawan.
