MOFA voices grave concern over attack on fishing boats

2016/03/24

The pursuit and firing upon of two Taiwan-registered fishing boats by an Indonesian government vessel in the Strait of Malacca March 21 is a matter of grave concern, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We are highly concerned about the case, and Premier Chang San-cheng refuses to accept Indonesia’s use of violence,” the MOFA said in a statement March 22.

In order to clarify the truth, the MOFA demands Indonesia’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, as well as relevant agencies, provide evidence supporting claims that the two fishing boats were operating in the Southeast Asian country’s exclusive economic zone and attempted to ram the Indonesian government vessel.

“We expect a swift response explaining why the Taiwan fishing boats were fired upon by the Indonesian government vessel.”

According to the MOFA, the government’s grave concern was conveyed to Deputy Representative Siswadi of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei. Siswadi said he fully understands Taiwan’s stance and will speedily relay any official response.

The Lien I Hsing No. 116 and Sheng Te Tsai are both registered in Liuqiu Township, Pingtung County. Local media reports state that the fishing boats were sailing for Singapore to offload their catches when the incident occurred.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=243232&ctNode=2194&mp=9)