May 22, 2013
Dear Editor:
Re: May 22, 2013 “Philippines fears for workers in Taiwan amid row”
YOUR Journal’s past coverage of events related to the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been noticed. Amid the current tense relations between the ROC and Philippines following the recent fatal attack on a Taiwan fishing vessel, we look forward to further balanced reporting regarding the incident, and a strong media role in calling for a thorough and impartial investigation to reveal the facts of the matter.
On May 9, the Taiwan fishing boat Guang Da Xing No. 28 was fired upon by a Philippine government vessel in overlapping ROC-Philippine economic zones, resulting in the death of fisherman Hong Shi-cheng.
Following the assault, the ROC government asked that the Philippine government respond to four demands: a formal apology, compensation, an expeditious investigation followed by the severe punishment of the perpetrators, and the speedy arrangement of negotiations on fishery matters. These demands are in accordance with international law and practice.
The Philippine government has made an official apology conveying “deep regret and apology to the family of Mr. Hong Shi-cheng as well as to the people of Taiwan over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life.” We acknowledge this apology but cannot accept the characterization of Hong’s death as “unintended.”
Our investigators found 45 entry bullet holes from automatic weapons in the unarmed GDX 28. This represents an excessive and unnecessary use of force in violation of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which stipulates that in enforcing the law in their exclusive economic zones coastal states are limited to boarding, inspection, arrest and judicial proceedings, and may not undertake corporal punishment, of which killing is the most extreme type.
We also found no evidence that the GDX 28 intended to ram the government vessel, as claimed by the Philippines. Given that the Philippine vessel is six times the size of the 15-ton fishing boat, such an action is scarcely conceivable. Moreover, after disabling the fishing boat, the Philippine vessel left the scene without offering assistance.
We have instituted 11 countermeasures that will remain in place until the Philippine government takes more positive and concrete steps to meet our demands. We expect a cooperative investigation of the incident by the two sides, allowing for comparison of the evidence held by each side.
Meanwhile, we acknowledge that the 87,000 Philippine nationals living and working in Taiwan are our friends and the integral role they play in the community is respected and treasured. Our government has strongly urged the people of Taiwan to continue treating them well and will likewise continue providing a friendly and safe environment for them.
We feel certain that your attention to this incident and continued objective coverage will contribute greatly to a fair and peaceful outcome.
Sincerely,
Chung-chen Kung
Director General
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles
