Japan and Taiwan are willing to sit down for talks and negotiate the Okinotori issue this July, and dialogue is the best safeguard for Taiwanese fishermen's rights and interests and the most peaceful way of resolving the dispute, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Tung Chen-yuan stated today.
The matter primarily concerns Taiwanese fishermen's rights and interests, which the government assigns the greatest importance, is determined to protect, and absolutely will not compromise, Tung said.
Tung reiterated that the administration upholds the principle of handling international affairs via cooperation and dialogue instead of confrontations and conflicts, and that this means is compatible with the interests of all sides. The administration is looking forward to further dialogue between Japan and Taiwan on maritime affairs so as to ensure maximal benefits for the ROC and its nationals as well as greater cooperation in the region.
The administration will respect the decision of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on whether Okinotori is an island or a reef, and will not take a particular legal position on this issue prior to the outcome, Tung added.
Though considerable progress has been made on relevant affairs via dialogue between Taiwan and Japan, the administration has absolute responsibility to ensure the safety of the nation's fishermen, Tung pointed out. At present fishery patrol missions will continue, with their scope and execution depending on the fishermen's needs.
Tung also addressed the planned abrogation of the Red Cross Society Act of the Republic of China. He said the establishment of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China (also known as the Taiwan Red Cross) had its particular background and needs of the time, and the administration acknowledges its contributions to the nation and society. However, certain malpractices do exist in the functioning of the Taiwan Red Cross. For example, its use of donations has been questioned by society, and because there are no limits to the number of terms its president and vice president can serve so long as they are reelected, there have been concerns that the same people could hold the positions term after term.
The committee for policy coordination between the administration and the ruling party's legislative caucus reached a consensus on the issue yesterday. The Executive Yuan supports the Legislative Yuan invalidating the Red Cross Society Act of the Republic of China so that the system and functions of the Taiwan Red Cross can be made more sound and transparent, and that the organization can become more influential and effective and win society's trust.
If the act is repealed, the administration will no longer send supervisors to the Taiwan Red Cross, which will be regulated by the Civil Associations Act. Nonetheless, the administration will continue to work closely with the organization.