Taiwan removes sanctions against PH after apology

In this photo taken on May 29, NBI agents assisted by Taiwanese probers inspect the bullet-riddled fishing boat Guang Ta Hsin 28 at the Tungkang harbor in Taiwan. The NBI has recommended the filing of homicide charges against eight Filipino Coast Guard personnel for the death in May of a Taiwanese fisherman on his boat. AFP

TAIPEI — Taiwan lifted its sanctions against the Philippines Thursday after Manila apologized for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, an incident which had severely strained relations.

“The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official title) announces that the sanction against the Philippines is removed immediately after the Filipino side has displayed apology and goodwill in written statements and action,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The move came after Amadeo R. Perez, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office which handles relations in the absence of diplomatic ties, flew to Taiwan 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 coastguards on May 9 in waters near an island in the Philippines’ extreme north, which Taiwan also claims as part of its economic zone.

Perez travelled to the small southern port town of Hsiaoliuchiu to meet the family of the dead man, Hung Shih-cheng.

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 hands.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry said the Hung family and the Filipino government had reached a settlement on compensation, without specifying its content.

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 had rejected earlier apologies by Manila as inadequate and imposed a series of sanctions, including a ban on hiring new Filipino workers, an advisory urging Taiwanese not to visit the Philippines and the suspension of trade and academic exchanges.

But diplomatic tensions eased after Philippine authorities said Wednesday they had recommended homicide charges against eight Filipino coastguards for Hung’s death.

Perez had previously visited Taiwan in May as a “personal representative” of President Aquino, but his apology was rejected by the Taipei government because he had described Hung’s death as “unintended.”

The killing caused outrage and protests in Taiwan, with President Ma Ying-jeou describing it as “cold-blooded murder” as Taipei responded with the sanctions and with navy drills.