Taiwan seeks greater maritime cooperation with the Philippines
Time：2015-08-11
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A senior Taiwan coastguard official said the two sides have agreed to work toward joint exercises and have already held discussions on how to conduct rescue operations.
"Now we are moving toward exercises. This is the direction of our efforts. Both sides are making the effort," said Cheng Chang-hsiung, deputy minister of Taiwan`s Coast Guard Administration.
In late May and early June, Philippine and Taiwan coastguard ships faced off in disputed waters south of Taiwan to protect their fishing vessels and try to assert territorial rights.
After the incidents were resolved peacefully, Mr Cheng went to the Philippines, where the neighbours worked to mend relations strained by the 2013 killing of a Taiwan fisherman by the Philippine coastguard.
Taiwan does not have diplomatic ties with other countries in the region which instead recognise China.
But Taiwan`s maritime claims mirror those of mainland China so is unlikely to back Japan or the Philippines in their disputes with China.