Taiwanese legislators demand tough action against Japan after fishing boat crew detained
Vessel boarded by Japanese coast guard last month
Legislators belonging to Taiwan’s Nationalist Party on Thursday demanded that the government take tougher action against Japan, including the use of military force, after a Taiwanese fishing boat and its crew were detained by the Japanese coast guard last month for fishing in the nation’s waters.
Legislator Liao Kuo-tung told a legislative committee that the administration of President Ma Ying-jeou, belonging to his own party, was “too weak” in handling the matter.
“When it [Taiwan] gives an inch, it [Japan] will take a mile,” he said. “We must take stronger action. Only by using military means can we make Japan bow its head.”
Taiwan sends patrol ships after boat seized by Japan
The Dong Sheng Ji No. 16 was found by Japan’s Coast Guard in waters near Okinotori, the southernmost point of Japanese territory, on April 24. It was boarded and its crew members detained.
The boat and its crew were released a few days later following negotiations that led to payment of a 6 million yen (HK$438,000) fine.
Another KMT lawmaker, Kung Wen-chi, said sending official vessels to protect Taiwanese fishermen in the area was not an act of provocation, but a proper measure aimed at pressuring Japan to come to the negotiating table.
“We are not afraid of Japan,” he said. “If you want peace, you should prepare for war.”