Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou will fly to a disputed island in the South China Sea on Thursday (January 28).
According to his office, the Taiwanese leader will visit Itu Aba to offer Chinese New Year wishes to residents.
The American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei, in the absence of formal diplomatic ties called the trip of Ma Ying-jeou to Itu Aba island “extremely unhelpful.”
It said the visit will not help resolve maritime disputes and urges Taiwan to avoid taking actions that could escalate tensions in the region.
On a visit to Beijing on Wednesday (January 27), U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington and Beijing needed to find a way to ease tensions in the South China Sea, as well as to curb North Korea’s nuclear program.
Aside from China and Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam also claim Itu Aba island.
Related: How much of the sea a country can claim?
The disputed island
Itu aba, known as Ligao in the Philippines, is in the Spratlys.
Washington has criticized China’s rapid construction of seven man-made islands, and has drawn alarm across Southeast Asia.
Related: China defends test flight in South China Sea after Vietnam objects
Taiwan’s coastguard said in October that Itu Aba is now the fourth largest island in the Spratlys after China’s land reclamation on Mischief Reef, Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef.
A total of 180 people live in the 46-hectare island, about 150 of them coastguard personnel.
Taiwan, which calls it “Taiping Island,” just finished a port upgrade including a new lighthouse there. The island has its own airstrip, a hospital and fresh water supply.
Asked to comment on Ma’s planned visit, China’s Taiwan affairs office reiterated China and Taiwan have a common duty to protect Chinese sovereignty in the disputed area.
Beijing deems Taiwan a wayward province to be retaken by force if necessary.
