Taipei Times
Date: May 25, 2016
By: Stacy Hsu / Staff reporter

Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee, left, and Deputy Minister Wu Chih-chung, second right, yesterday raise their glasses at a welcome party at the ministry. Photo: Chien Jung-fong, Taipei Times

Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee (李大維) yesterday expressed confidence that Taiwanese fishermen would receive improved fishing rights after bilateral talks in July between Taiwan and Japan over the Okinotori atoll dispute.

“We have negotiated with Japan on matters concerning fishing rights around Okinotori and have reached a preliminary agreement, which is to bring related maritime affairs to the negotiating table before the end of July,” Lee said.

Lee said Japan has demonstrated a high level of sincerity during their previous negotiations on the matter, which he acknowledged took place before the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government was sworn in on Friday last week.

The new development signifies an implementation of President Tsai Ing-wen’s (蔡英文) principles to settle disputes through communication and negotiations, Lee said, adding that the ministry would continue to uphold those principles in its interactions with Japan.     [FULL  STORY]