Taipei: A senior minister from Taiwan has made a rare visit to a remote island in the South China Sea, underlining growing tensions in one of the world’s most contested regions.
Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling travelled to Itu Aba, also known as Taiping Island, where Taiwan carried out coast guard drills. It is the first visit by a minister to the island in several years, making it a significant political and strategic move.
During the visit, personnel conducted a series of exercises, including boarding a suspicious vessel, carrying out rescue operations, handling medical emergencies and responding to environmental incidents such as oil spills. The drills were aimed at showing Taiwan’s ability to manage security and humanitarian situations around the island.
Itu Aba is the largest natural island in the disputed Spratly chain. It is controlled by Taiwan but also claimed by China, Vietnam and the Philippines. The overlapping claims have made the area a frequent source of tension.
Taiwan’s move is seen as a signal that it intends to maintain its presence and authority over the island, especially as China continues to increase its activities in the region. Beijing has expanded military infrastructure on nearby reefs and islands and regularly sends ships and aircraft into contested waters.
The South China Sea is a key global trade route and is believed to hold valuable natural resources, including oil and gas. Control over parts of the sea carries both economic and strategic importance, which has drawn multiple countries into competing claims.
Although Taiwan’s facilities on Itu Aba include a runway and a recently upgraded dock, analysts say its military presence remains limited compared to China’s heavily fortified outposts nearby.
The visit comes at a time when tensions across the region are steadily rising, with countries increasing patrols and strengthening their positions while trying to avoid direct conflict.
Observers say the minister’s visit reflects a careful balance by Taiwan, showing resolve without provoking a major escalation, as disputes in the South China Sea continue without a clear resolution.