Taiwan clarifies position on Okinotori, agrees talks with Japan

2016/05/25

Taiwan and Japan agreed to set up a marine cooperation dialogue mechanism under the framework of Taipei City-based Association of East Asian Relations and Tokyo-headquartered counterpart Interchange Association, Japan, with the first round of talks scheduled for July and expected to cover issues of mutual interest spanning emergency rescue, environmental protection and scientific research, according to Cabinet spokesman Tung Chen-yuan May 23.

“The two sides should not take any action that would add to tensions but should engage in constructive dialogue and promote cooperation in marine affairs,” Tung said. “Maintaining friendly ties with Japan is very important to Taiwan’s overall foreign relations.”

The Tsai Ing-wen administration will respect the decision of the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf regarding the international legal status of Okinotori and does not take a specific legal position on the issue, Tung added.

Regarding patrols in the waters surrounding Okinotori by two Coast Guard Administration vessels and one Fisheries Agency vessel, the CGA said they would continue until the end of the month and—depending on future developments—the area may be included in its annual patrol mission.

Taiwan-Japan fisheries ties experienced a hiccup last month when local fishing boat Dong Sheng Ji No. 16 was detained April 25 by Japan Coast Guard while operating 150 nautical miles east-southeast of Okinotori in the West Pacific. The boat and its crew were released the following day after payment of 6 million yen (US$53,973) security deposit.

Japan’s claim of a 200 nautical-mile exclusive economic zone extending from the nine-square meter Okinotori gave rise to the dispute.

In contrast to the current administration, former President Ma Ying-jeou maintained that according to U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, Okinotori does not meet the criteria of an island as it cannot sustain human habitation and an economic life of its own. Thus, as a reef, Okinotori is only entitled to 12 nautical miles of territorial waters from its baseline.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=244990&ctNode=2194&mp=9)