Meng sends letter to Philippine Ambassador over killing of fisherman from Taiwan by Phillippine government vessel
May 24, 2013
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, today sent a letter to the Philippine Ambassador to the United States expressing her grave concern over the increased violence between his country and the Republic of China following the killing of a fisherman from Taiwan by a Philippine government vessel.
In her correspondence to Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Meng also urged that the investigation into the incident be conducted in a transparent, thorough and expeditious manner, and that it be done with the full cooperation of the Taiwan government.
The killing occurred on May 9th when 65-year-old fisherman Hung Shih-chen was shot dead by bullets fired from a Philippine government vessel. The shooting took place in the waters off the Northern Philippines in an apparent a dispute over international waters.
The text of the letter is below:
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Dear Ambassador Cuisia:
I am writing to express my grave concern over the recent escalation and violence between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of China following the tragic death of Hung Shih-chen on May 9, 2013. What appears to be a dispute over international waters culminated in the death of a 65-year-old fisherman from Taiwan, whose fishing vessel reportedly had 59 bullet holes.
In the days following the incident, the Philippine government issued an apology. However, I was concerned by the apparent official indifference of the Philippine government in not recognizing the extent of the ROC’s grievance. This only served to increase violence between Taiwanese and Filipino residents. With increased tensions, the safety of citizens of both countries is paramount. Both states need to do more to protect all residents, regardless of their nationality.
I am encouraged that your government has launched an official investigation of this incident, and has made it a priority. I urge a transparent, thorough and expeditious conclusion to the review in full cooperation with the Taiwanese government, and I look forward to report .
Sincerely,
Grace Meng
Member of Congress
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