The US may be playing a major behind-the-scenes role in trying to calm growing tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines over the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman last week, a US Department of State official indicated on Wednesday.
“We urge the Philippines and Taiwan to take all appropriate measures to clarify disagreements and prevent recurrence of such tragic events,” acting deputy US Department of State spokesman Patrick Ventrell said.
Ventrell confirmed the US was in close communication with both sides, but refused to give details of Washington’s diplomatic involvement.
Photo: CNA
“We’re concerned by the increase in tensions between two neighboring democracies and close partners of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ventrell said.
He said that Philippine President Benigno Aquino III had appointed a personal representative to Taiwan to convey his deep regret and to apologize.
Another diplomatic source told the Taipei Times that Washington was “actively engaged” in trying to stop the incident from escalating and that there had been talks at the highest levels.
Speaking at the daily US Department of State press briefing, Ventrell said the US continued to urge both parties to ensure maritime safety and refrain from actions that could “further escalate tensions” in the region, and undermine the prospects for a rapid and effective resolution of differences.
“These are partners with whom we have extensive relationships,” he said. “I’m not going to get into the day-to-day readout of our diplomacy, whether it’s from Washington or our posts overseas. I’m just not going to get into that level of detail.”
He added that he did not know when the Philippine investigation into the shooting would be completed.
“It appears the incident took place in or near disputed waters, where the Philippines and Taiwan both claim fishing rights,” Ventrell said.
The US does not take a position on the proper location of a maritime boundary in that area.
Ventrell was reminded at the hearing that President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) had rejected the Philippines’ apology as lacking sincerity.
Asked if the US considered the apology to be sincere, Ventrell said that was a determination for Taiwan to make and discuss “as appropriate” with the Philippines.
Ventrell was asked if the Taiwan-Philippines “conflict” could undermine US interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
“I’m not going to draw that broad a conclusion, other than to say that we’re concerned about this increase in tension,” Ventrell said. “These are two partners that we have a robust relationship with ... and we want them to work through their differences on this issue as expeditiously as they can.”
Ventrell said that it was “precisely incidents such as this” which underscore the need for a code of conduct in the Pacific Ocean, where there are numerous disputed areas of territorial waters.
Asked if the US had dissuaded Taiwan from sending a military vessel to protect its fishermen in waters near the Philippines, Ventrell said he had no information on that suggestion “one way or the other.”
The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) is to tighten rules for candidates running for public office, requiring them to declare that they do not hold a Chinese household registration or passport, and that they possess no other foreign citizenship. The requirement was set out in a draft amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法 ) released by the ministry on Thursday. Under the proposal, candidates would need to make the declaration when submitting their registration forms, which would be published in the official election bulletin. The move follows the removal of several elected officials who were
The Republic of China (ROC) is celebrating its 114th Double Ten National Day today, featuring military parades and a variety of performances and speeches in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei. The Taiwan Taiko Association opened the celebrations with a 100-drummer performance, including young percussionists. As per tradition, an air force Mirage 2000 fighter jet flew over the Presidential Office as a part of the performance. The Honor Guards of the ROC and its marching band also heralded in a military parade. Students from Taichung's Shin Min High School then followed with a colorful performance using floral imagery to represent Taiwan's alternate name
COVETED PRIZE: The US president would be a peace prize laureate should he persuade Xi Jinping to abandon military aggression against Taiwan, William Lai said US President Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize should he be able to convince Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) to abandon the use of force against Taiwan, President William Lai (賴清德) told a conservative US radio show and podcast in an interview. The US is Taiwan’s most important international backer, despite the absence of formal ties, but since Trump took office earlier this year he has not announced any new arms sales to the nation. Trump could meet Xi at the APEC summit in South Korea on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Lai, speaking on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton
A Chinese takeover of Taiwan would severely threaten the national security of the US, Japan, the Philippines and other nations, while global economic losses could reach US$10 trillion, National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lin Fei-fan (林飛帆) wrote in an article published yesterday in Foreign Affairs. “The future of Taiwan is not merely a regional concern; it is a test of whether the international order can withstand the pressure of authoritarian expansionism,” Lin wrote in the article titled “Taiwan’s Plan for Peace Through Strength — How Investments in Resilience Can Deter Beijing.” Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) intent to take Taiwan by force
RSS