Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou visited a disputed island in the South China Sea with the goal of demonstrating the validity of Taiwan’s claim to the Island. The ownership of key islands in the South China Sea, and the associated economic zone and mineral rights that come with it, have been a source of tension between China, the US, and several Asian nations. While China did not strongly oppose this visit, both the United States and the Philippines were concerned about it. However, Taiwan’s president-elect, Tsai Ing-wen, did not attend the visit, which some analysts view as a sign that she is seeking stronger ties with the U.S., as opposed to Ma, who adopted a neutral stance toward China.
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