Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Taiwan’s president visited a disputed island in the South China Sea despite criticism from the United States.
President Ma Ying-Jeou flew to Itu Aba island on Thursday morning (January 28) to reaffirm Taipei’s sovereignty over the outpost.
Washington called Ma’s trip “extremely unhelpful,” and added it would not do anything to resolve disputes over the waterway.
Beijing, meanwhile, reiterated that China and Taiwan have a common duty to protect Chinese sovereignty in the South China Sea.
China deems Taiwan a wayward province and would be retaken by force if necessary.
Taiwanese president Ma is expected to hold a press conference upon returning from the island.
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