Association for East Asian Relations Chairman Liao Liou-yi, right, yesterday shakes hands with Interchange Association, Japan Chairman Mitsuo Ohashi as they sign an agreement that defines the two countries’ respective fishing rights near the Diaoyutai Islands at the Taipei Guest House.
Photo: CNA

Taiwan and Japan yesterday inked a fisheries agreement in a bid to end controversies over fishing in waters surrounding the contested Diaoyutai Islands (釣魚台). The agreement includes an escape clause which Taipei said allows both sides to set aside disputes over their competing sovereignty claims.

The agreement assured Taiwanese vessels an intervention-free fishing zone in waters between 27° north latitude and the Sakishima Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, and gave Taiwan an additional fishing zone of 1,400 square nautical miles (4,800km2) outside Taiwan’s temporary enforcement line, government officials said.