Tsai Teh-sheng, the head of Taiwan's "National Security Bureau," recently refuted Democratic Progressive Party legislator Chen Ming-wen's claim that Taiwan is keeping silent amid the ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.

According to Tsai, it is not that Taiwan has no say, but Taiwan has a particular role to play. He said officials from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam have repeatedly requested in both public and private occasions that Taiwan does not join hands with the mainland on the South China Sea issue, which means these countries do acknowledge Taiwan "has its force and value."

Tsai's words were both shocking and disappointing. Safeguarding territory and sovereignty in the South China Sea is a common obligation and right of people across the Taiwan Straits.

It is beyond imagination that Taiwan easily gives up Chinese interests just to win the approval of some South Asian countries.

Even if the Taiwan authorities want to win recognition from the international community, they should never choose a time when external forces are provoking Chinese sovereignty.

The South China Sea issue relates to China's overall interests. Taiwan should also prioritize the overall Chinese interests at the moment. Tsai's words, to a certain degree, reflected the Taiwan authorities' passive mentality on the South China Sea issue. This directly influences the cohesion of the whole Chinese people and creates new frictions that hinder harmony across the Straits.

Historically, facing threats of external invasion, people across the Straits have worked together to protect our common interests. It is astounding that today, while the two sides are increasingly opening up to each other and having more exchanges than ever, the Taiwan authorities now behave so passively.

Taiwan can play a very important role in protecting the South China Sea. It is already a good move that Taiwan's "coast guard" is stationed on Taiping Island. As to the Huangyan crisis, Taiwan will also benefit if the Taiwan authorities work with the mainland to deal with Manila's provocations.

Through taking the initiative in safeguarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Taiwan will lift its international and regional influence and have more chips in future political negotiations across the Straits. The Ma Ying-jeou administration can also take this chance to reshape its image and bolster up public morale.

The Taiwan authorities should cooperate, not confront, in safeguarding overall Chinese interests.

The author is an official with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Henan Provincial government. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn