Focus Taiwan
Date: 2016/06/16
By: Chen Cheng-wei, Tang Pei-chun, Kuo Chih-hsuan, Leaf Chiang and
S.C. Chang

Taipei, June 16 (CNA) Facing a European Commission threat to issue a “red card” against

CNA file photo

Taiwan for allowing its fishing vessels to continue to violate international norms, the Council of Agriculture (COA) said Wednesday it hopes to complete tough legislation by July to fend off possible sanctions.

Taiwan’s representative office in Brussels has alerted its home government that by March, 2017 at the latest, if no satisfactory improvements have been made in regard to Taiwan’s “illegal, unreported and unregulated” fishing practices in international waters, a red card could be issued — meaning trade sanctions against Taiwan.

While issuing Taiwan a “yellow card” in October, 2015, the European Commission advised Taiwan to take 11 steps to improve its fishing fleet’s record.     [FULL  STORY]