Taiwan Proposes Joint Management of Disputed Waters with Japan

Taiwan is seeking to resolve the long-standing sovereignty claims over waters where Taiwan and Japan's exclusive economic zones overlap. Lee Jen-chyuan, vice chairman of the Council of Agriculture, has proposed that both countries shelve their disputes and jointly manage the area, allowing Taiwanese and Japanese fishermen to operate freely. This proposal aims to address the concerns of local fishermen who have been arrested and fined by Japanese coast guard for fishing in these waters.

Key Takeaways:

• Taiwan plans to suggest that Japan shelf their conflicting sovereignty claims over overlapping waters and jointly manage the area.
• The proposal, made by Lee Jen-chyuan, vice chairman of the Council of Agriculture, aims to calm disputes over Taiwan fishermen's right to fish in the region.
• Taiwanese and Japanese fishermen will be allowed to operate in the jointly managed area, with maritime sources to be protected by both countries.
• The proposal will be raised at the 15th Taiwan-Japan fishing talks, expected to begin in July.
• The COA's proposal is in response to complaints from local fishermen who have been arrested and fined by Japanese coast guard for fishing in these waters.
• The government is under pressure to address the issue after recent news reports about Taiwanese fishermen's arrests.

Statistics:

• The 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of Taiwan overlaps with Japan's zone in the disputed waters.
• Taiwanese fishermen have been arrested and fined heavily by Japanese coast guard in the region.
• The 15th Taiwan-Japan fishing talks are expected to begin in July.
• The COA's proposal aims to address the concerns of local fishermen who have been affected by the disputes over the waters.

Sources:

• Lee Jen-chyuan, vice chairman of the Council of Agriculture (COA)
• Central Standing Committee of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party
• Asia Pulse (June 22)
• CNA - Central News Agency (22-06 1005)