TOKYO (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je firmly refuted media reports regarding his recent comments on the contentious rights over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands during the inauguration ceremony of his presidential election preparatory office in Tokyo on Thursday (June 8).
Ko explained that during a seminar he attended earlier in Su'ao Township, Yilan County, local fishermen had expressed concerns about being expelled and facing fines when fishing near the islands.
Ko emphasized that his primary objective was to address the livelihood challenges faced by Taiwanese fishermen and to subsequently address the disputed areas, acknowledging that it would require time to resolve.
Seizing the opportunity during his five-day visit to Japan, Ko conveyed the concerns of Taiwanese fishermen to high-ranking Japanese officials during a banquet hosted by the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association on June 5.
He further discussed the same topic in an interview with NHK the following day.
Ko's remarks came in response to recent statements from New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, who underscored the responsibility of a national leader to safeguard territorial integrity and national sovereignty without room for compromise.
"I have never suggested sacrificing our sovereignty in exchange for fishing rights," Ko firmly said while condemning the media and political parties for selectively quoting his remarks out of context to serve their agendas.
Ko is scheduled to return to Taiwan later today but has confirmed a meeting with AIT Chair Laura Rosenberger in Kaohsiung. Rosenberger is visiting Taiwan to engage with the leading presidential candidates, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President Lai Ching-te, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih, and Ko, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 election.
