March 16, 2018
No. 041
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of the Philippines held the fourth technical working group (TWG) meeting under the bilateral agreement on law enforcement cooperation in fisheries on March 12 in Taipei. The meeting, cochaired by ROC Representative to the Philippines Gary Song-huann Lin and Manila Economic and Cultural Office Vice Chairman Gilberto F. Lauengco, provided the two sides the opportunity to exchange views on fisheries matters.
Many issues were discussed in depth, including law enforcement arrangements in the overlapping exclusive economic zones of Taiwan and the Philippines, notification mechanisms, and exchange of information, as well as the deterrence of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. The meeting is expected to reduce fishery-related disputes and advance bilateral cooperation on fishing affairs.
As consensus has not been reached on issues raised by the Philippines concerning law enforcement in contiguous zones, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the Fisheries Agency to remind Taiwanese fishermen of the risks of operating in the contiguous zone north of the Philippines. It has also requested that the Coast Guard Administration continue to protect Taiwan fishing boats in accordance with the law, so as to safeguard the legal fishing rights of Taiwanese fishermen.
In 2015, Taiwan and the Philippines signed the Agreement Concerning the Facilitation of Cooperation on Law Enforcement in Fisheries Matters. Pursuant to Article 6 of the agreement, the TWG was established so that the two sides can better discuss concrete forms of law enforcement cooperation. It has also served as a platform to secure fishermen’s safety and fishing rights, while helping to resolve conflicts in overlapping exclusive economic zones.
Being neighbors, Taiwan and the Philippines enjoy close cooperation and exchanges. Under the government’s New Southbound Policy, Taiwan will continue to foster deeper fisheries cooperation and mutual trust through the TWG platform. By better protecting the fishing rights of both countries, we can heighten reciprocity and reap greater benefits for both our peoples. (E)