The fishery rights agreement concluded between Taiwan and Japan resolved longstanding disputes in a peaceful manner, while maintaining the government’s rock-solid stance on inalienable sovereignty over the Diaoyutai Islands, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs said May 7.
“Article 4, insisted upon by our side, is a disclaimer ensuring that our sovereignty and territorial claims will not be undermined by the accord,” the MOFA said in a news release.
The historic pact, signed April 10 after 17 rounds of talks over 17 years, allows Taiwan and Japanese boats to operate freely in a 74,000-square-kilometer area around the Diaoyutais, providing an additional 4,530 square kilometers of high-quality fishing grounds for Taiwan fishermen.
“The waters surrounding the archipelago have been traditional fishing grounds for Taiwan boats for more than 100 years, but Japanese authorities have often interfered with their activities,” the ministry said. “The agreement puts a stop to that.”
The first meeting of a joint fishing commission established under the pact is being held May 7 in Taipei City to deal with related issues in the region, providing a mechanism for greater bilateral cooperation, the MOFA said.
According to the ministry, these results illustrate the viability of the government’s East China Sea peace initiative and the willingness of both sides to set aside differences.
Proposed by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou Aug. 5, 2012, the initiative urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; maintain dialogue; observe international law; resolve disputes through peaceful means; and form a cooperative mechanism for the exploration and development of resources.
The fishery rights accord has received support from fishermen’s associations, scholars and bipartisan lawmakers in Taiwan, as well as endorsement by the international community for its pragmatic approach to avoiding conflict, promoting prosperity and enhancing mutual trust, the MOFA said. (THN)
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