Taiwan sends missile frigate to the East Sea after 'cow tongue line' ruling

Taiwan's military announced that it will continue to send more planes and warships to patrol the East Sea to "protect its interests".

Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen (center) visits the missile frigate Kangding before its departure. Photo: CNA

On July 13, Taiwan sent a warship to the East Sea to carry out an action called "defending maritime territory", one day after the Arbitral Tribunal issued a ruling rejecting China's historical rights within the "nine-dash line" in the East Sea, according to AFP.

In its ruling, the Arbitral Tribunal also made it clear that Itu Aba Island, part of Vietnam’s Spratly Islands, which is controlled by Taiwan, is a rock and cannot generate an exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Taiwanese government has protested, saying that the ruling is “completely unacceptable” and not legally binding, as the Tribunal did not formally invite Taiwan to participate in the case.

"The South China Sea ruling, especially the classification of Taiping Island (Taiwan's name for Vietnam's Itu Aba Island), has harmed our interests on the islands in the South China Sea and related waters," Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen said during a visit to the missile frigate Kangding in Kaohsiung port before it set sail for the South China Sea.

"This patrol mission will demonstrate Taiwan's determination to protect its rights," Tsai said before leaving the missile frigate.

Taiwan's military also announced that it will continue to send more aircraft and warships to patrol the area, while maintaining "high alert" to protect security.

Itu Aba Island is the largest entity in Vietnam’s Truong Sa archipelago, illegally occupied by Taiwan and stationed by its coast guard. Ma Ying-jeou, former leader of Taiwan, visited the island earlier this year, drawing criticism from the US as well as many countries in the region such as Vietnam, the Philippines, etc.

According to VNE