Republic of China Executive Yuan Statement (Translated from the Chinese )
Statement
Executive Yuan
Republic of China (Taiwan)
November 29, 2013
The Executive Yuan, in response to a joint statement by Legislative Yuan party caucuses concerning mainland China’s announcement at 10 AM November 23, 2013, that it has established an East China Sea air defense identification zone, has issued a statement reaffirming its position as follows:
1.The National Security Council issued a four-point statement on November 23, 2013, emphasizing that the government of the Republic of China will staunchly defend its sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands. It also reiterated the East China Sea Peace Initiative put forth by President Ma Ying-jeou, urging all parties concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from antagonistic actions; shelve disputes and not abandon dialogue; and observe international law, resolving disputes through peaceful means. The ROC government maintains an unquestionably clear and rock-solid stance on this matter.
2. Mainland China did not consult Taiwan prior to its announcement of its East China Sea air defense identification zone. This has resulted in overlap between Taiwan’s and mainland China’s air defense identification zones (ADIZ) and flight information regions (FIR). The ROC government believes that this action is not conducive to the positive development of cross-strait relations. Taiwan will express its serious concerns regarding this matter to mainland China through appropriate channels.
3. The ROC Ministry of National Defense (MND), to safeguard national security and public welfare, has instructed the armed forces to carry out naval and air security missions in accordance with the existing ADIZ; standard military practices will not be changed due to the establishment of mainland China’s East China Sea ADIZ. The MND will continue to strengthen information collection, monitoring and reconnaissance within Taiwan’s ADIZ to keep track of all air and sea activity, provide early warning and ensure maritime and air security.
4. The Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications will relay the filing of flight plans for civil aircraft in accordance with relevant regulations and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding FIR notification, based on requests from airline companies in Taiwan and abroad, to ensure the safety of passengers.
5. The ROC government is deeply concerned about developments in the region and has unequivocally urged all parties concerned to resolve related regional disputes through peaceful bilateral or multilateral negotiations so as to jointly maintain regional peace and stability.
