Premier Frank Hsieh (
"The fishing disputes should be resolved through peaceful and rational talks," Hsieh said.
Hsieh's comments came as the Ministry of National Defense has decided it will send warships to sail to disputed waters near the Diaoyutais with Taiwanese lawmakers on board, to demonstrate the government's determination to protect Taiwanese fishermen.
Responding to reports that two Japanese city councilors from Ishigaki Island in the Okinawa archipelago were planning to visit the Diaoyutais to enforce Japan's claim over the islets, Hsieh said their plan did not reflect the official position of the Japanese government.
"The city councilors' plan to land on the Diaoyutais does not represent Japan's government," Hsieh said, comparing the Japanese councilors to some Taiwanese legislators who are pushing to inspect the Diaoyutais on board navy frigates. "A couple of city councilors' behavior represents just part of [Japanese] public opinion."
Regarding the Taiwanese fishing boat whose captain was detained by the Japanese coast guard on Saturday, the premier said that the ship was outside Taiwan's exclusive economic zone when it was stopped.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) swiftly dealt with the matter in cooperation with Japanese authorities, Hsieh said.
The premier stressed that the government would not sacrifice Taiwanese fishermen's rights in negotiations to resolve fishing disputes with Japan, while admitting that the lack of formal diplomatic relations between the two sides, as well as the two countries' overlapping economic zones, would complicate talks.
In the meantime, Hsieh called on Taiwanese fishermen not to enter Japanese waters.
The captain of the Taiwanese fishing boat Chinmingtsai No. 11, Chen Teh-liang (
A police officer in Okinawa told the Central News Agency that the Chinmingtsai No. 11 was spotted by a Japanese patrol ship on Friday night in waters 65km off the east coast of Miyako Island, which is within Japan's exclusive economic zone.
The five-man boat refused to stop for inspection, and was finally apprehended early Saturday, the officer said.
The captain admitted that he had been fishing illegally, according to the police.
MOFA spokesman Michel Lu (呂慶龍) yesterday confirmed the Japanese officer's account. Lu said that Taiwanese officials stationed in Okinawa had contacted Japanese authorities, and negotiated the release of Chen and his vessel on bail, which should happen either today or tomorrow.
He said the ministry has also contacted Japanese officials to urge them to prevent the planned landing on the Diaoyutais by the Ishigaki Island city councilors. The action would not be helpful for the current situation, he added.
He said talks to resolve fishing disputes with Japan would be held as soon as possible.
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