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Taiwan recalls representative to Manila
HOT AIR:A statement from the Philippines yesterday made no
mention of the apology the Taiwanese government had expected after 14 Taiwanese
were extradited to China
Staff Writer, with CNA
Taiwan recalled its representative to the Philippines yesterday over what Taipei
calls the “inappropriate” deportation to China of Taiwanese citizens arrested in
connection with a fraud investigation, after Manila issued a statement asking
for the “warmth and kinship” between the two sides to not be affected by the
incident.
Taiwan decided to recall its envoy in Manila, Donald Lee (李傳通), this week, to
strictly screen the applications of Philippine nationals who wish to work in
Taiwan and, effective yesterday, to cancel -preferential treatment for
Philippine nationals to file visa applications online, Foreign Minister Timothy
Yang (楊進添) said yesterday.
The recall added a new element to the tense dispute between Taiwan and the
Philippine government, which ignored Taiwan’s requests and sent 14 Taiwanese and
10 Chinese citizens — all of whom were arrested late last year on charges of
cross-border fraud against Chinese nationals — to China on a charter flight on
Feb. 2.
Yang, who had said Taiwan’s reaction would depend on the Philippines’ response,
was apparently not happy with the information he received yesterday.
The Manila Economic and -Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei issued a statement
earlier in the day saying that the Philippines “deeply regrets” the involvement
of Taiwanese nationals in the case and “the reactions of the Taiwanese
authorities as well as the public’s feelings over the actions taken.”
MECO officials said in the long-awaited statement, which had been expected on
Friday, that the actions “were taken considering that all the victims are
Chinese, all the accomplices are Chinese and the results can be best settled in
China.”
There was no suggestion of the apology the Taiwanese government had expected in
the statement.
“It should be noted that there exists an extradition treaty between the People’s
Republic of China and the Philippines. We also note that there is an agreement
between Taiwan and mainland China on Anti-crime Efforts and Judicial Assistance
under which both sides can cooperate in this case,” the statement said.
While the Philippines recognizes China and has no official relations with
Taiwan, it has been seeking to boost trade ties with Taiwan.
MECO officials said they hoped the deportations would not affect the “warmth and
kinship” between Filipinos and Taiwanese.
“We wish to assure you that the Philippines will continue to welcome Taiwanese
friends and protect their rights as law-abiding visitors,” the statement said.
Officials from Taiwan’s National Police Agency said on Sunday that the agency
has been in contact with its Chinese counterpart to negotiate the repatriation
of the 14 Taiwanese.
Opposition lawmakers said that the Taiwanese were sent to China instead of back
to Taiwan was an indication of the incompetence of the administration of
President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), which has been stymied by its policy of “stopping
war on the diplomatic front.”
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Gao Jyh- peng (高志鵬) said that Ma
has not uttered a word on the incident, completely resigning himself to allowing
Taiwan to be treated poorly.
DPP Legislator Pan Men-an (潘孟安) said Ma has been complacent with his “modus
vivendi” diplomatic strategy, but over the past two to three years China has
continued in its efforts to isolate Taiwan.
This latest incident was an “extremely serious diplomatic incident” that will
set a worrying precedent if other countries follow suit, Pan said.
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