In rare public comment on territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Taiwan’s defense ministry warned on Wednesday that countries in the region were spending more on bolstering their military strength as tension in the area increased.

Taiwan’s claim to the South China Sea reflects that of mainland China, with both staking their territorial assertions on maps Chinese Nationalists drew up when they ruled the country before fleeing to Taiwan in 1949.

But Taiwan has stayed relatively low-key on the issue unlike mainland China, which has been backing up its claims with the construction of ports and airstrips on remote islands in the disputed waters.

“Neighboring countries have increased their military budgets and weapons procurement and are adjusting some of their military deployments and conducting joint drills at sea,” Taiwan Defence Minister Kao Kuang-chi told parliament as he presented it with his ministry’s latest defense report.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-taiwan-idUSKCN0WB09L