Stop trading away maritime rights

"Intruders walk into the house, and the homeowner welcomes them in." That is how Taiwan's United Daily News described the DPP authorities' response to the recent illegal maritime delimitation by Japan and the Philippines.

Instead of raising objections, the DPP authorities expressed support, even suggesting a willingness to "share marine resources". This is trading away maritime rights in pursuit of separatist ambitions.

The Chinese mainland dispatched multiple patrol missions. During one operation, a Taiwan "coast guard" vessel issued radio messages telling passing ships not to pay attention to broadcasts from the Chinese mainland. Soft on Japan and the Philippines, tough on the mainland.

Past experience in the Taiwan Strait shows one clear pattern: every provocation pushes the mainland one step further forward. Regular mainland patrols east of Taiwan island may well become a reality in the future. What the DPP tries to give away, the motherland will never allow.