It is rumored that my country plans to donate a decommissioned frigate to the Philippines. The Blue Committee is worried about the impact on fishermen’s rights and interests. Guan Biling responds

IOC chairperson Guan Biling. （海委會提供）

Maritime cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines is deepening day by day. It was recently reported that the Coast Guard plans to renovate the frigate Kinmen and donate it to the Philippines. The outside world is worried that it may affect the rights and interests of Chinese fishermen in the future. Kuomintang legislator Xu Yuzhen also questioned that the Philippines shot and killed Chinese fishermen 13 years ago, causing a "major incident" and asked the IOC to explain. In this regard, IOC chairperson Guan Biling emphasized today that the two countries have signed an agreement that stipulates that the vessel cannot be used to enforce the law against Chinese fishing vessels. If it violates the agreement, it can be revoked and returned.

The Legislative Yuan will meet today (2nd) to schedule the Executive Yuan to deliver the general policy address for the new session. Executive President Zhuo Rongtai was invited to attend and explain, and led the heads of ministries and commissions to attend for consultation.

Kuomintang legislator Xu Yuzhen said during questioning that the government has overall strategic considerations in promoting diplomatic cooperation to maintain regional maritime security. However, when planning to donate decommissioned ships to the Philippines, it should not ignore the "Guangxing 28 Incident" in 2013, in which Philippine law enforcement officers shot and killed the Chinese captain in cold blood. Questioning the future of the ship as a gift to the Philippines, it may become a tool to drive away, harass, or even harm Chinese fishing vessels. She further asked, what will happen if the Philippines violates the regulations in the future? Ask the Executive Yuan to explain specific methods.

Chairman of the Maritime Commission, Guan Biling, responded that I signed an agreement to donate the cruise ship to the Philippines. "This ship is definitely for civilian use and will not be equipped with any weapons." It will not enforce the law against Taiwanese fishing boats. If the Philippines violates the rules, we will be able to cancel the contract and "demand the return of the ship." He reiterated that the government will strictly handle it in accordance with the requirements of the agreement.

Executive Director Zhuo Yongtai pointed out that it is necessary for the first island chain to cooperate to maintain peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, and the government will fulfill its responsibilities. He also emphasized that the two parties signed an agreement and set conditions during the ship donation process, and the focus will be on how to implement it in the future. He also pointed out that involving fishermen’s rights and safety, the government has listed it as a priority, and the domestic demand assessment of decommissioned ships and the allocation of rescue ships are also planned by the government.

Executive President Cheuk Wing-tai attended the Legislative Yuan meeting today (2) to deliver the policy address and also attended the general policy question. (Photo by reporter Tu Jianrong)