How they see it
The shooting to death of a Taiwanese fisherman
1. The Manila Times
It is most unfortunate that the government of Taiwan has suspended the issuance of visas to Filipinos. … The suspension was in reaction to the unfortunate killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in contested waters a few days ago. The emotional reaction is understandable because Taiwan considers itself the aggrieved party. But … China, for one, has been aggressively asserting its claim on Philippine territory in recent months and taking no action against perceived threats is not an acceptable option. Unlike China, Taiwan may be easier to talk to where territorial conflicts are concerned. One tragic event should not permanently strain Philippine-Taiwan relations. Manila
2. Global Times
Most of the analysts from the Chinese mainland speculated that because the Philippines was awed by the might of the Chinese mainland, it had vented its anger on Taiwan to show its will, improve its position in negotiations, and maintain domestic morale. Shooting a fishing boat and causing death in a disputed area is a very serious event … If it is confirmed the Philippine navy is behind the shooting, the mainland should show its stance by intensifying navy activities in the disputed water between the mainland and Philippines … The Philippines is the most "barbaric" country in the South China Sea … Strong countermeasures are needed to keep the area in order. Beijing
3. The China Post
Taiwan seems to have turned jingoistic all of a sudden … Media provided coverage that employed an uncalled for ultranationalist tone regarding the death of Hung Shih-cheng, the 65-year-old fisherman … Manila insists the shooting was done in self-defence, though its representative in Taipei offered an apology to Hung's bereaved family … The inquiry should satisfy Taipei. Just to be fair, Taipei has to hear what Manila has to say … If the shooting is found to have taken place in the overlapping exclusive economic zone, the Philippines will officially apologise and punish those involved … But compensation has to be paid to the victim. And Taiwan and the Philippines have to conclude a fisheries agreement. Taipei