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Taiwan-Philippines dispute grows (2)

By PU ZHENDONG  (China Daily)

08:27, May 16, 2013

He did not mention compensation, but said Aquino had asked the Manila Economic and Cultural Office to make "donations" to the dead fisherman's family. He did not say how much would be donated.

Yang Baoyun, an expert on Southeast Asian studies at Peking University, said the word "donation", instead of "compensation", is likely to irritate the Taiwan public as it shows Manila's lack of sincerity.

Amadeo Perez, the special envoy, arrived at Taipei at Wednesday noon. After a 40-minute meeting with Taiwan officials in the evening, Perez extended "heartfelt apology to the family of the fisherman who was shot in the channel between Taiwan and the Philippines".

Perez said he will further discuss issues related to the event with Taiwan's officials on Thursday.

An investigation panel from Taiwan is expected to arrive in Manila on Thursday to join the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation's inquiry, which started on Monday.

Experts said Manila's late and sloppy apology fell short of satisfying Taipei's requests and easing public indignation.

Yang said the Manila-Taipei confrontation from the shooting is getting more complicated as Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou, supported by almost unanimous public opinion, is determined not to back down over the incident.

TIMELINE

May 9: The Taiwan fishing boat Guang Ta Hsin 28 was attacked by a Philippine government vessel in an overlapping area of the two sides' exclusive economic zones, killing the 65-year-old skipper, Hung Shih-cheng.

Friday: Manila admitted the shooting, but remained unapologetic.

Saturday: In the evening, Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Philippines to apologize, clarify the truth, punish those held responsible, or face severe sanctions.

Tuesday: In the evening, just hours before the ultimatum's expiration, Manila agreed to apologize.

Wednesday: Antonio Basilio, the Philippines' resident representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, apologized during a joint news conference with Lin Yung-lo, Taiwan's "minister of foreign affairs".

Wednesday: In the morning, Taipei officially announced the first round of sanctions against the Philippines and vowed further sanctions if demands are not met.

Wednesday: In the afternoon, Philippine presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda confirmed that Aquino apologized for the killing and called for calm. At 6 pm, Taipei's second round of sanctions were initiated, including a red alert on travel to the Philippines and suspension of high-level exchanges between the two economies.

Wednesday: In the evening, Manila's special envoy Amadeo Perez extended "heartfelt apology to the family of the fisherman who was shot in the channel between Taiwan and the Philippines".


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Email|Print|Comments(Editor:ZhangQian、Yao Chun)

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