Taiwan lifts sanctions after apology for shooting
Print Edition
Taiwan lifted its sanctions against the Philippines yesterday after Manila apologized for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, an incident which had severely strained relations.
The Taiwan government said the sanctions were removed immediately after the apology.
The move came after Amadeo R. Perez, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office which handles relations with Taiwan, flew to the island and offered an “official apology” on behalf of Filipino President Benigno Aquino.
Tensions had risen sharply after the 65-year-old fisherman was shot dead by Filipino coast guards on May 9 in waters near Taiwan’s economic zone.
Perez travelled to the small southern port town of Hsiaoliuchiu to meet the family of the dead man.
In televised comments, Perez said he wished to convey “the Philippine people’s deep regret and apology to the family of Mr Hung Shih-cheng over this unfortunate loss of life of their beloved one.
“May I respectfully present our official letter of apology to the family of Mr Hung on behalf of our president and our people,” he told Hung’s widow, before giving her the letter and shaking her hand.
Taiwan said the Hung family and the Filipino government had reached a settlement on compensation, without specifying details.
It said Manila had also agreed to hold further talks on a proposed fisheries agreement as part of their efforts to avoid another such tragedy while handling disputes.
Taiwan rejected earlier apologies by Manila as inadequate and imposed a series of sanctions, including a ban on hiring new Filipino workers, an advisory urging Taiwan people not to visit the Philippines and the suspension of trade and academic exchanges.
But diplomatic tensions eased after Philippine authorities said on Wednesday they had recommended charges against eight coast guards over the killing.
The killing outraged Taiwan, with its leader Ma Ying-jeou calling it “cold-blooded murder.”
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