The European Parliament support for Taiwan over fishing boat incident

Since the shooting attack on the Taiwan fishing boat Guang Da Xing No. 28 by a Philippine government vessel on May 9, during which a Taiwan fisherman was killed, the European Parliament (EP), as well as parliaments of European Union (EU) member states, have expressed their concern over the incident.

Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Charles Tannock, Chairman of the EP-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, issued a statement on May 17, condemning the fatal attack by a Philippine government vessel on an unarmed Taiwan fishing boat. He also sent a letter, together with Deputy Chairman Wolfgang Kreissl-Dorfler, to the Philippine Ambassador to the EU, which was to be delivered to the Philippine government, expressing their concern over the incident.

Furthermore, Michal Kaminski, an important MEP of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, issued a statement of condemnation on May 17, as well as two written questions regarding the incident to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton on May 14 and 21, respectively.

John McGuiness, Chairman of the Ireland-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Society, wrote a letter to President Ma Ying-jeou, extending sympathy and condolences to the family of the deceased fisherman and, on behalf of the Irish parliament, expressing support for the way Taiwan has handled the incident.

In addition, members of parliament from the UK, Belgium, Poland and Slovakia also extended their sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim of the fishing boat Guang Da Xing No. 28 through public statements, letters and remarks. They called upon the Philippine government to fully cooperate with Taiwan in the investigation into this incident, so as to achieve a result that satisfies all parties concerned.

The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the aforementioned messages from Europe and reiterates that Taiwan shares with the EU an unwavering commitment to upholding the universal values of peace, democracy and human rights. It is hoped that the Philippine government, based on the same principles, will positively respond to Taiwan’s four demands regarding the Guang Da Xing No. 28 incident: a formal apology, compensation for losses suffered, a thorough investigation followed by the severe punishment of the perpetrators, and the arrangement of negotiations on fishery matters.

Anna van Densky

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