A senior Presidential Office official lashed out yesterday at Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (
"The government's responsibility is to solve problem. It must clearly spot the crux of the problem and tackle it with a correct and efficient approach," said Presidential Secretary-General Yu Shyi-kun.
"One can't afford to be foolhardy and act recklessly or emotionally nor should one casually resort to force to solve issues and jeopardize the people's life, property and security," Yu said
In reference to the Diaoyutais (
The Diaoyutais are a group of islets which have been held by Japan since 1971. Taiwan and China also claim the islets. Given that 321.8km exclusive economic zones of Taiwan and Japan overlap in waters close to the Diaoyutais, fishing disputes are common.
Ma slammed Chen yesterday for "being too cowardly" for not coming forward and speak about the nation's claim to the islets.
"President Chen yesterday said loudly and clearly that the Diaoyutais belong to Taiwan," Yu said, referring to remarks the president made on Wednesday during a meeting with Democratic Progressive Party officials.
Chen said the government has never wavered on its sovereignty claim over the Diaoyutais.
"Just because Mayor Ma didn't hear [what Chen said] can he criticize the president for not saying [that the Diaoyutais belong to Taiwan,]" Yu said.
While reiterated that Chen, as the nation's top leader, is obligated to and will absolutely defend the nation's dignity, sovereignty and territory, Yu -- repeating remarks made by Chen on Wednesday -- said that the recent row with Japan is an issue of fishery rights and not sovereignty, and the government will seek to protect its fishermen's rights through negotiations, which are set for the end of next month.
Noting that some people had called for a war with Japan to protect the fishermen's rights, yet no one has spoken of a war with China to protect the nation after Beijing enacted its "Anti-Secession" Law in March that said it was willing to resort to force to annex Taiwan, Yu asked if there was "a double standard."
Meanwhile, Vice President Annette Lu (
"Why stand up for safeguarding the Diaoyutais yet not do the same for Taiwan?" Lu said. "Why didn't Ma march together with the million people who protested against the Anti-Secession' Law when Beijing enacted it in March?"
"Where were these people when back when it was more necessary to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty?" Lu said. "Who is a coward and who is valiant?"
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