KMT accuses Taiwan’s government of failing to uphold South China Sea claims

Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party has sharply criticized the ruling government for allegedly failing to uphold the island's long-standing claims in the South China Sea. The accusation follows the government's perceived weak response to recent moves by the Philippines concerning a disputed shoal in the region.

Chen I-hsin, director of the KMT's culture and communications committee, stated on Sunday that the government "speaks loudly when confronting mainland China, but falls silent when Japan or the Philippines challenges Taiwan’s claims." This statement highlights the KMT's view that the administration is inconsistent in asserting Taiwan's territorial interests, showing assertiveness only towards Beijing while remaining passive when other regional powers, like Japan and the Philippines, contest Taiwan's positions.

The KMT's remarks specifically reference the Philippines' recent efforts to assert control or establish boundaries around a contested shoal. The opposition party implies that this inaction emboldens other nations to challenge Taiwan's sovereignty in the strategically vital South China Sea, a region with significant geopolitical and economic implications.

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The government speaks loudly when confronting mainland China, but falls silent when Japan or the Philippines challenges Taiwan’s claims.