Foreign Minister David Lin says that Taiwan and the Philippines will hold talks in June in an effort to resolve conflict over the two countries’ maritime boundary.
In 2013, the Philippine Coast Guard opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel operating in the disputed area, killing one Taiwanese fisherman. So far this month, Philippine authorities have detained one Taiwanese fishing boat in the area and intercepted another.
Lin said that Taiwan and the Philippines have reached a consensus on maritime law enforcement. However, he said that there is still disagreement over where fishing boats and coast guard vessels are allowed to operate.
Lin said that the main issues arise in the 12 nautical mile radius around the Philippines’ territorial waters, which both sides claim as part of their Exclusive Economic Zones.
"We believe that this overlapping area is part of our Exclusive Economic Zone, so we believe that it is legal for our fishing vessels to operate in the area and for our coast guard vessels to prevent illegal fishing in the area," said Lin.
"But the Philippine side does not accept this. We have issued a strong protest to the Philippines. We do not believe they should continue to intercept our ships in the area, but we will have to handle this issue together in the most appropriate way possible through talks."