Beijing caught in the crossfire over killing of Taiwanese fisherman
As dispute about fisherman's killing escalates, Beijing faces a tricky diplomatic balancing act over how far it goes in its support for Taipei
A diplomatic dispute between Manila and Taipei, triggered by the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine coastguard, has presented Beijing with a dilemma.
Should it take firm action to back up the island or stick to verbal condemnation?
The mainland supports all efforts to protect the rights...of fishermen from both sides
There is rising public sentiment on both sides of the strait that Taiwan and the mainland should team up to exert pressure on the Philippines. But both sides are acutely aware that such a move would drag them into the controversial "one-China" question and trigger a backlash, not least for the Beijing-friendly government in Taipei, analysts say.
In a sign of Beijing's intention to support Taiwan, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Yang Yi said it was an "obligation" for the mainland to protect the safety and interests of Taiwanese compatriots.
"The mainland supports all efforts to protect the rights and interests of fishermen from both sides," Yang said, answering a question on cross-strait co-operation in the South China Sea at a press briefing yesterday.
"We have demanded that the Philippine side take the case seriously, find out the truth as quickly as possible and punish those responsible."
Analysts on both sides of the strait say Beijing will back up its words with firm action - such as strengthening its patrols in the South China Sea - only at Taipei's request. But such a scenario is unlikely in the present circumstances, they say.