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         Philippine President Apologizes for Taiwanese Fisherman Death

   Philippine President Benigno Aquino has apologized to Taiwan for the
   shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman by the coast guard, after
   Taipei angrily rejected an earlier statement of regret.
   An Aquino spokesman says the president sent a personal representative
   to Taiwan Wednesday to convey "his and the Filipino people`s deep
   regret and apology" to the family of the fisherman and the people of
   Taiwan.
   Taiwan recalled its envoy to the Philippines to protest what it said
   was an insincere response by Manila`s representative in Taipei. The
   earlier statement expressed deep regret and promised to investigate the
   incident, but stopped short of an official apology. Taiwan has not yet
   reacted to the second expression of regret.
   A U.S. State Department spokesman says it is concerned by increased
   tensions between two neighboring democracies and close U.S. allies. It
   urges both to clarify disagreements and ensure maritime safety.
   Taiwanese Prime Minister Jiang Yi-huah has threatened to hold naval
   exercises near disputed waters Thursday. He also announced a hiring
   freeze of Philippine workers.
   A Philippines Coast Guard ship opened fire on the fishing boat last
   Thursday in the South China Sea where both countries` economic
   interests overlap, killing a 65-year-old fisherman. The Philippines
   said it was acting in self-defense because the fisherman`s boat was
   about to ram the coast guard vessel.
   Taiwan and the Philippines, along with Brunei, China, Malaysia, and
   Vietnam all have competing claims to parts of the sea, which may be
   rich in oil and natural gas.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/philippine-president-apologizes-for-taiwanese-fisherman-death/1661772.html