Taiwan welcomes conviction of 8 Coast Guard personnel in Balintang shooting

Taiwan on Wednesday welcomed a lower court decision convicting eight Philippine Coast Guard personnel who were involved in the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman off Balintang Channel in 2013.

"Today, the long-awaited justice in this shooting incident was served, but it was a hard and a bitter experience for both countries," the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office, Taipei's de-facto embassy, said in a statement.

Manila and Taipei have no formal diplomatic ties in deference to the One-China Policy. Taiwan is represented by TECO, which acts as its de-facto embassy in the country. Taiwan is a self-ruling democratic island which separated from mainland China in 1949.

The shooting occurred in the Philippines' northernmost waters where Philippines and Taiwan have overlapping economic zones.

Following the court's verdict, Taiwan said Manila and Taipei "now have to move on from this tragic incident" and determine how to further enhance their bilateral relationship.

"Taking into account the ancient proverb that, 'a close neighbor is more important than a brother who is far away,' Taiwan and the Philippines have long been important close neighbors," TECO said.

"May the verdict in this case serve, not only as a symbol of justice, but also a testament to the solid relationship and deep mutual trust between Taiwan and the Philippines."

In 2015, both countries signed a Fisheries Law Enforcement Agreement that has helped boost bilateral cooperation in fisheries law enforcement matters.

Since then, annual technical meetings are held between both sides to avoid any conflict again in the future. —NB, GMA News