Why are lawmakers urging Tsai to visit Itu Aba before leaving office?

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Lawmakers Urge President Tsai to Visit Itu Aba to Assert Sovereignty

Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties are urging President Tsai Ing-wen to visit Itu Aba before her term concludes in May. This push is primarily motivated by a desire to assert Taiwan's sovereignty over the strategic island and to inspect its newly renovated harbour, which is capable of accommodating larger vessels. The visit is seen as a symbolic act to reinforce Taiwan's territorial claims in the disputed South China Sea.
Asserting Sovereignty in a Contested Region

The calls for President Tsai's visit are rooted in the broader geopolitical context of the South China Sea, where multiple nations, including Taiwan and China, have competing territorial claims. Itu Aba, known to Taiwan as Taiping Island, is Taiwan's sole possession within the Spratly Islands, a location of significant strategic importance. By visiting the island, President Tsai would visually underscore Taiwan's commitment to defending its sovereignty in an area where China has established substantial military installations on nearby features like Subi Reef, Fiery Cross Reef, and Mischief Reef.
Inspecting Upgraded Harbour Facilities

Beyond the symbolic assertion of sovereignty, the visit would also provide an opportunity to assess the newly renovated harbour on Itu Aba. This upgrade allows the facility to handle larger ships, enhancing its logistical and strategic capabilities. Such improvements are crucial for maintaining Taiwan's presence and operational capacity in the South China Sea, particularly in light of the increasing military activities by other regional powers.
Precedents Set by Previous Administrations

The urgency for President Tsai to visit Itu Aba is also influenced by the actions of her predecessors. Both former Presidents Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou visited the island during their tenures. This precedent suggests a tradition of presidential visits to Itu Aba as a means of reinforcing Taiwan's claims. President Tsai's failure to visit the island while in office has been noted by some political factions, prompting their current calls for action before her departure.

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Why are lawmakers urging Tsai to visit Itu Aba before leaving office?

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