ANNUAL REPORT

373
nal’s ruling, President Tsai addressed officers and enlisted personnel
on a Taiwan Navy frigate. In President Tsai’s remarks she
said the ruling ‘‘has seriously harmed the rights and interests of
our country with respect to the South China Sea islands.’’ 123 The
ship was originally scheduled to leave the next day for a routine
patrol of the South China Sea, but, as part of Taiwan’s response
to the tribunal’s ruling, it set sail the same day. 124 Taiwan is not
a signatory to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS), because it lost its seat at the UN before the convention
was established. Thus, Taiwan is not bound by the tribunal’s decision.
Figure 6: Map of South China Sea
Source: Figure adapted from Economist, ‘‘Hai-handed,’’ January 13, 2014.
dkrause on DSKHT7XVN1PROD with USCC
Prior to the ruling, Taiwan had taken some positive steps to clarify
its claims in the South China Sea in accordance with UNCLOS
and initiated efforts to reduce tensions and establish coordination
and cooperation mechanisms with other claimants. 125 Taiwan has
an opportunity to further clarify its position now that the tribunal
has clarified the legal status of the features in disputed waters.
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