THE REPUBLIC-OF-CHINA POLICY TOWARD THE SOUTH-CHINA-SEA - A REVIEW

The sovereignty dispute over the Spratly (Nansha) Islands is an intric ate problem which has long troubled the government of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. In the past, passive declaration of sovereignty was the main course of official policy. It was not until 1993 that, b ecause of the escalation of tension among the claimant states, the ROC government adopted a new policy on the issue. The Policy Guidelines f or the South China Sea is now the basic legal framework for the ROC's future actions. While welcoming the adoption of the new policy, the au thor highlights certain problems. First, the main components of the po licy are outlined. Second, problematic areas are examined, including t he introduction of the ''historic waters'' argument. Finally, suggesti ons are made for the improvement of the policy.