EP condemns fatal shooting of Taiwanese fishing boat by Philippine Coast Guard

by N. Peter Kramer

The Philippine government vessel then sailed away without offering any assistance, a violation of international law and failing to show any humanitarian spirit. It seems clear that the vessel belonging to the government of the Philippines was violating international law. ‘Shooting unarmed civilians can never be justified as an act of self defence as it was claimed by the Philippine authorities’, MEP Michal Kaminski stated.

The act of violence exercised by the Philippine military against the Taiwanese vessel not only resulted in a personal tragedy but also raised tensions in the region. Mr Kaminski mentioned Taiwan’s approach towards territorial disputes as ‘long proven to be responsible, pragmatic and moderate.’ He continued saying that ‘the recent fisheries agreement between Taiwan and Japan should serve as an exemplary model of how territorial disputes should be dealt with’.

Also MEP Charles Tannock issued a statement on behalf of the EP-Taiwan Friendship Group. He strongly condemned the attack and fatal shooting and welcomes the apology given by the Philippian President Benigno Aquino. ‘Nevertheless’, Mr Tannock writes, ‘ once the facts are clearly established, full compensation must be paid to the family of Mr Hung and the owners of the vessel, and all of those responsible for giving the orders to open fire on the fishing vessel be brought to criminal justice’. He also points that ‘Taiwan and Philippines are two democracies and both close partners of the EU.