OPINION:
In order to foster regional peace and stability, economic prosperity and sustainable transit by commercial container ships, as well as to seek out a path to coexistence and mutual prosperity, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou has proposed a peace initiative that provides a viable empirical model for peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South China Sea (“Carter chides China over approach to territorial disputes,” Web, April 10).
Peace does not come through miracles, but through perseverance, enterprise, strength and support from friends and allies. Ma’s idea is that claimants should shelve sovereignty disputes and share economic resources. By adopting this approach Taiwan was able to reach an accord with Japan last year relating to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands, which Taiwan also claims and calls the Diaoyutai.
With the risk of an incident rapidly increasing, the concerned parties in this dispute should pause a moment to consider the initiative, especially in light of Beijing’s recent efforts to reclaim land and construct facilities in the South China Sea.
KENT WANG
Advisory commissioner, Overseas Community Affairs Council of Republic of China (Taiwan) in the United States
Potomac Falls, Va.
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