Policy of the Republic of China towards the South China Sea: recent developments

The government of the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) has recently adopted a policy on the South China Sea, the main purpose of which is to consolidate the ROCʹs territorial claims in the area. While welcoming the adoption of the new policy on an issue long ignored by the ROC government, the author highlights certain problems. First, the main components of the policy are outlined, including its organizational arrangements. Second, problematic areas are examined, including the introduction of the ‘historic waters’ argument. Third, suggestions are made for the improvement of the policy in the hope that the ROC government will produce an amended document embodying a more practicable policy.