Philippines, Taiwan sign nonviolence agreement
The Philippines and Taiwan have reached an agreement not to use force in the disputed zones of the 250-kilometer Luzon Strait that splits their two countries, the site of a fisherman’s death that has resulted in the rapid eroding of bilateral relations over the past month.
In the first preparatory meeting between the Philippines and Taiwan, held in Manila on June 14, both sides agreed to cooperate over maritime issues by banning the use of violence, sharing law enforcement procedures, and establishing an open line of communication to quickly resolve disputes.
“Both sides have guaranteed to avoid the use of armed force or violence in the implementation of fisheries laws,” a statement from Taiwan’s foreign ministry said on June 16.
A mechanism has also been established to prompt the release of fishing vessels under international practice.
The agreement comes shortly after Philippine prosecutors recommended on June 13 that criminal charges be brought on the coastguard involved in the killing of the Taiwanese seaman that led to the diplomatic row.
With the next fishery meeting between the two sides to be held in July, Taiwan will be looking to negotiate long-term use of the fishery-rich strait, where the Philippines usually holds fire when Taiwan’s boats enter.
A total of 22 arrests and detentions of Taiwanese fishing boats have been logged by the Philippine coastguard, with the last act of violence occurring seven years ago.
The Philippines and Taiwan have reached an agreement not to use force in the disputed zones of the 250-kilometer Luzon Strait that splits their two countries, the site of a fisherman's death that has resulted in the rapid eroding of bilateral relations over the past month. In the first preparatory meeting between the Philippines and Taiwan, held in Manila on June 14, both sides agreed to cooperate over maritime issues by banning the use of violence, sharing law enforcement procedures, and establishing an open line of communication to quickly resolve disputes. "Both sides have guaranteed to avoid the use of...
The Philippines and Taiwan have reached an agreement not to use force in the disputed zones of the 250-kilometer Luzon Strait that splits their two countries, the site of a fisherman’s death that has resulted in the rapid eroding of bilateral relations over the past month.
In the first preparatory meeting between the Philippines and Taiwan, held in Manila on June 14, both sides agreed to cooperate over maritime issues by banning the use of violence, sharing law enforcement procedures, and establishing an open line of communication to quickly resolve disputes.
“Both sides have guaranteed to avoid the use of armed force or violence in the implementation of fisheries laws,” a statement from Taiwan’s foreign ministry said on June 16.
A mechanism has also been established to prompt the release of fishing vessels under international practice.
The agreement comes shortly after Philippine prosecutors recommended on June 13 that criminal charges be brought on the coastguard involved in the killing of the Taiwanese seaman that led to the diplomatic row.
With the next fishery meeting between the two sides to be held in July, Taiwan will be looking to negotiate long-term use of the fishery-rich strait, where the Philippines usually holds fire when Taiwan’s boats enter.
A total of 22 arrests and detentions of Taiwanese fishing boats have been logged by the Philippine coastguard, with the last act of violence occurring seven years ago.
