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Taiwan helpless to aid boat hijacked by Somali pirates

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Taiwan is asking for American and British help to save the 30-man crew of its 700-ton tuna boat hijacked by Somalia pirates Monday.

Henry Chen, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a close eye is being kept on the Win Far 161, home-ported in Kaohsiung, which its three sister ships watched pirates seizing at gunpoint.

He said he cannot confirm whether there are causalities. "But based on past experience," he added, "their safety should not be a problem."

Somali pirates take fishermen hostage for a ransom. So far, however, no ransom demand has been made, Chen said.

Win Far was taken over near an island in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. "The tuna boat is believed to be some 1,000 kilometers away from the nearest land," Chen added.

Chen said the British maritime Trade Organization has been asked to offer help. The maritime liaison office of the U.S. 5th Fleet was also contacted.

The Seychelles fishery bureau and the Somali harbor bureau have asked to help the long-liner and its crew, Chen pointed out.

All three sister ships of Win Far returned safely to the Seychelles after they had reported the hijacking to their company in Kaohsiung, Chen said. "I should think Win Far didn't send out distress signals," he added.

Asked if the People's Republic offered help, Chen said no such offer has been made.

China has sent a small flotilla to the Indian Ocean to protect its fishing boats against piracy.

Pirates are now avoid the Gulf of Aden because it is heavily patrolled by warships from countries, including the United States, Japan and the People's Republic.

Maj. Gen. Lee Yueh-chang, deputy assistant chief of staff for operation at the Ministry of National Defense, said Taiwan's navy is capable of escorting its fishing boats to the Indian Ocean.

But Lee added the waters any Taiwan warships have to pass are controlled by countries with which Taipei has no diplomatic relations.

"So," Lee said, "we are considering carefully whether we will escort and protect our fishing vessels in the Indian Ocean."

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Comments
April 8, 2009    tublairy@
If the navy escorts the fishing boats, who will shoulder the cost? Surely, this is not a cost effective solution. Practically speaking, the cheapest solution is to arm the fishing boats themselves. Of course, there would be legal obstacles to such a solution.
April 8, 2009    jaalexis2002@
Somalians pirates have no business in the Seychelles waters! They have no excuse for capturing ships in the Seychelles EEZ.
April 9, 2009    dalaiLIAR@
This shows that "Taiwan" is no world power. So how could the former president and his DPP even think of confronting Mainland China over their separatist policy if they can't protect their own fishing boats?
April 11, 2009    shoou@
dalaiLIAR@ wrote:
This shows that "Taiwan" is no world power. So how could the former president and his DPP even think of confronting Mainland China over their separatist policy if they can't protect their own fishing boats?
Oh...and is Somalia a world power???

It’s not a question about power, it’s a question of diplomacy.

Think about it!!!
April 11, 2009    shoou@
tublairy@ wrote:
If the navy escorts the fishing boats, who will shoulder the cost? Surely, this is not a cost effective solution. Practically speaking, the cheapest solution is to arm the fishing boats themselves. Of course, there would be legal obstacles to such a solution.
hmmm...so why do countries have the police?
April 13, 2009    chinasucks@
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
April 13, 2009    getboba@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
April 15, 2009    freedom820@
 
getboba@ wrote:
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
Hmmm...calling names without knowing all the facts would makes you the idiot. Do we really know what it's like to be a citizen of a country that's not recognized by the world? If not, don't judge!
April 15, 2009    freedom820@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
Didn't know that Taiwan is not a recognized country until the Olympics. What's up with "Chinese Taipei"? That's so sad...
April 15, 2009    freedom820@
 
shoou@ wrote:
Oh...and is Somalia a world power???

It’s not a question about power, it’s a question of diplomacy.

Think about it!!!
I agree with shoou@. People's lives are at stake here. Hope all hostages can return to their countries safely.
April 15, 2009    chinasucks@
 
getboba@ wrote:
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
Triggered a nerve, didn't I? Calling me a complete idiot doesn't justify your point of view. If only shows how little you know about Taiwan. So who is the idiot now, huh?
April 17, 2009    CNCNCN@
China rules the world! Watch out people. When China takes over Taiwan, we will penetrate the Pacific Ocean and take down all of you. The U.S. better not interfere because you owe us "just a little bit" of money, ha ha! Pointing missiles at the weak feels real good. Don't you agree, getboba@ and dalaiLAIR@?
April 18, 2009    getboba@
freedom820, if chinasucks makes an idiotic statement....well, if the shoe fits.....
Perhaps you should take your own wise advise and get all the facts, because I am a proud citizen of Taiwan and I understand completely what it means to be Taiwanese as well as the political ploy that the DPP's cry for independence stands for. Furthermore, if you agree with chinasucks' ignorant statement that China "only knows how to destroy," then there is probably no point in my even continuing to discuss this issue with you. As to chinasucks, you know too little about China to even justify the biased hatred that you spew. You are a disgrace to the Taiwanese people.
April 20, 2009    ComeFromTaiwan@
Do you agree Ukraine is the part of Russia?? Do you think South Korea should be dominated by North Korea?? If you support the mentioned countries, Taiwan also needs your help.
April 20, 2009    nutty_azn@
 
getboba@ wrote:
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
People here are sensitive on name calling as reported in today's paper:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/local/miaoli/2009/03/20/200863/A%2Dmasters.htm
The Taiwan issue is a sensitive issue .The current government does not seem to be able to handle it well without selling the farm!!
April 20, 2009    getboba@
CNCNCN@ wrote:
China rules the world! Watch out people. When China takes over Taiwan, we will penetrate the Pacific Ocean and take down all of you. The U.S. better not interfere because you owe us "just a little bit" of money, ha ha! Pointing missiles at the weak feels real good. Don't you agree, getboba@ and dalaiLAIR@?
Please refrain from including me in your psychotic ramblings.
April 21, 2009    freedom820@
I welcome healthy discussions, and I do gather facts. My grandfather proudly fought side by side with the Flying Tigers back in WW2. He told me stories about the war and how he feels sad seeing Taiwan become closer and closer to China everyday. He fears the day Taiwan loses its democracy when China takes over. I don’t have friends from either “country,” so I build my own views from reading various media. I do get confused with you being a Taiwanese but getting so angry toward chinasucks’ comment. I will do further research. Maybe I can figure out why.
April 21, 2009    chinasucks@
getboba...what’s too little? All we need to know is that China is a communist country. Not saying that every Chinese is bad, but the communist government and those who want to hurt Taiwan are evil and bullies, including KMT and its descendants who put down the Taiwanese people. No, YOU are a disgrace to the REAL Taiwanese people. There is no gray area here. Anyone who doesn’t support Taiwan independence can feel free to go back to China. Stop using Taiwan as a spring board and stop sucking up Taiwan’s resources, beauty, and freedom. See how CNCNCN@ is calling out your name and support? Saying you “understand” Taiwan’s cry...yeah, right! You are a FAKE! Still don’t know your point of view. Oh, wait...yes, I do! You are a paid blogger for the communists.
April 21, 2009    chinasucks@
freedom820...please ask someone to translate this youtube video for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQqkKzxuQG8. Also, view this link for more facts on Taiwan history: http://www.taiwandc.org/228-intr.htm. Glad you are doing research and wanting to understand more about Taiwan. Thank your Grandfather for me.
April 21, 2009    getboba@
chinasucks@ wrote:
getboba...what’s too little? All we need to know is that China is a communist country. Not saying that every Chinese is bad, but the communist government and those who want to hurt Taiwan are evil and bullies, including KMT and its descendants who put down the Taiwanese people. No, YOU are a disgrace to the REAL Taiwanese people. There is no gray area here. Anyone who doesn’t support Taiwan independence can feel free to go back to China. Stop using Taiwan as a spring board and stop sucking up Taiwan’s resources, beauty, and freedom. See how CNCNCN@ is calling out your name and support? Saying you “understand” Taiwan’s cry...yeah, right! You are a FAKE! Still don’t know your point of view. Oh, wait...yes, I do! You are a paid blogger for the communists.
Gee thanks. I'm glad you clarified that not all Chinese are bad. You didn't seem to have that thought in your previous posting. So maybe there IS a gray area. Yes, certain people put down Taiwanese people. I agree that this is bad. Yet you seem to think it's OK for you to do the same to others? Sounds hypocritical to me. Since I don't agree with your idiotic remarks, you now label me as a communist...nice. Here's my point of view: You're a racist and you are filled with hatred. THIS attitude is what hinders Taiwan's development and sucks up Taiwan's resources, beauty, and freedom. Clear enough for you?
April 22, 2009    freedom820@
chinasucks@ wrote:
freedom820...please ask someone to translate this youtube video for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQqkKzxuQG8. Also, view this link for more facts on Taiwan history: http://www.taiwandc.org/228-intr.htm. Glad you are doing research and wanting to understand more about Taiwan. Thank your Grandfather for me.
Thanks for the links. I will look into them. The more I read, the more I feel bad for Taiwan. I just can't imagine not having a say in the UN and have to constantly feel threatened by missiles pointing at your Formosa "beautiful island." CNCNCN@, I hope you are just making a joke here. You are very mean!
April 22, 2009    freedom820@
ComeFromTaiwan@ wrote:
Do you agree Ukraine is the part of Russia?? Do you think South Korea should be dominated by North Korea?? If you support the mentioned countries, Taiwan also needs your help.
If you are talking about supporting Ukraine and SK's freedom against the communists, I would support Taiwan of course. I'm still reading up on Taiwan's history. It's a lot to absorb. I would love to visit Taiwan one day!
April 22, 2009    CNCNCN@
 
getboba@ wrote:
Please refrain from including me in your psychotic ramblings.
...why don't you and chinasucks just leave this blog? China rules! You disappointed me...thought you were a commie like me...you know you want a piece of CN's wealth...ha ha ha!
April 22, 2009    getboba@
Chinasucks...the user name clearly displays his hate and bias. My anger and frustration stem from this person's racist comments such as "low-class mainlanders" and his inaccurate portrayal of mainlanders as all communists. Their government is communist, not necessarily all of their people are.

It's a shame that a fellow Taiwanese will show such hatred for an entire group of people. To categorically be racist and look down on anyone is shameful and a disgrace. There are plenty of people from other countries that look down on Taiwan and make racists comments towards us. THIS is not how we should be.

Chinasucks typifies the kind of ignorant people who use racial slurs to degrade others and continue to scream about Taiwan independence as if anyone who doesn't do so wants to be a communist. This type of person only serves to divide Taiwan's people and weaken Taiwan's earnest strive to better its people lives.
April 22, 2009    iwannawork@
CNCNCN@, I'm pretty certain that even the communists don't want you.
April 23, 2009    toebee007@
We had a problem here regarding Somalia pirates seizing a fishing boat belonging to us, TAIWAN. How the hell does this concern CHINA or TAIWAN independence? Why mix POLITICS with the safety of our poor fishermen?
April 23, 2009    chinasucks@
 
getboba@ wrote:
Gee thanks. I'm glad you clarified that not all Chinese are bad. You didn't seem to have that thought in your previous posting. So maybe there IS a gray area. Yes, certain people put down Taiwanese people. I agree that this is bad. Yet you seem to think it's OK for you to do the same to others? Sounds hypocritical to me. Since I don't agree with your idiotic remarks, you now label me as a communist...nice. Here's my point of view: You're a racist and you are filled with hatred. THIS attitude is what hinders Taiwan's development and sucks up Taiwan's resources, beauty, and freedom. Clear enough for you?
Yawn! :-O! No need for the “thanks” since I’m not here to please a 2-headed snake like you. You started the name calling and you don’t expect a reaction? Unless you are a “low-class mainlander,” then why do you care? So it’s okay for you to do name calling but not okay when I do it? What the hell? Who do you think you are? If you LOVE China so much, then spring yourself back there. Racist? Hmm…here goes another name calling moment. Ran out of insults so try to strike me below the belt…what an amateur! You are probably a racist to a certain degree yourself, so don’t get all noble on me.

People look down at Taiwan because Taiwan is not a country. Meanwhile, KMT is kissing China’s ass and for what? Money? Security? Pathetic! I don’t care how you twist my words and made a high school essay out of it, but I hold true to my opinions and views. You have NO idea what I have experienced in life for you to judge me. Just because I don’t see your view, so I’m ignorant? You are a worthless [deleted] to me. Of course you ARE a commie. You put down the people who REALLY care about Taiwan’s future. How much are you getting paid by CNCNCN? Traitor! Yawn!!!
April 23, 2009    CNCNCN@
 
getboba@ wrote:
Please refrain from including me in your psychotic ramblings.
You’re so good with name calling that’s true. I’m not a psychopath, I’m a commie! See how you put down your fellow TWN pal there “chinasucks, you need to watch out b/c you’re next!” Don’t you remember? Mao and Chiang graduated from the same school. They are from the same pot. So Communist and KMT are the same. We all want POWER! KMT is smarter in hiding their corruptions well while DPP was stupid to get caught. Taiwan 228 incident? WOW…shows KMT=Commie, killing everyone in the way. KMT has been calling to fight back and return to China for so long now, but you know it’s not possible. So, KMT is stuck in the middle. We commies don’t really see KMT as true Chinese because you are contaminated by Taiwan culture. But it’s okay, we will make some room for you. So, it’s high time for you and all KMT to cross over and call CN home…like ET. CN will rule the world!!!
April 23, 2009    CNCNCN@
iwannawork@ wrote:
CNCNCN@, I'm pretty certain that even the communists don't want you.
Get lost! You know you want to be a commie too. Read your other blogs. I love these KMT folks who put down other TWN folks...doing a great deed for the CN! Divide and conquer!
April 23, 2009    CNCNCN@
 
freedom820@ wrote:
Thanks for the links. I will look into them. The more I read, the more I feel bad for Taiwan. I just can't imagine not having a say in the UN and have to constantly feel threatened by missiles pointing at your Formosa "beautiful island." CNCNCN@, I hope you are just making a joke here. You are very mean!
Hey, we have room for you too! Want to experience the great power of today? Don’t' be shy now! Commies are allowed to congregate in the U.S. too, right?
April 24, 2009    getboba@
Chinasucks@, I suppose some racists don't believe they're racists....they will just make stereotypically degrading comments regarding an entire race of people and think that they are above it all. So you think I must be a mainland Chinese simply because I despise another person's racial comments about them? Whatever. Whether your racist comments were towards China, the nations of Africa, India, USA, or any other country, I still would have thought they were racist, ignorant and idiotic. You know, it's OK to care about something that isn't directly related to or benefited by you. Many of the deteriorating societies/governments in the world are where they are because of people with your type of thinking. What's next for you to propose, ethnic cleansing in Taiwan? I hope all your hate can be resolved. I won't be further goaded into a pointless debate with someone who is only interested in dividing the people of Taiwan and creating more hate. By the way, you can yawn and pretend to be bored all you want because your anger and hostility speaks for itself.
April 24, 2009    minime@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
Looks a bit racist to me.
April 24, 2009    2000xkr@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
Tiananmen Square, Cultural Revolution and ...... damaging Taiwan scenic spots?!?! In terms of historic relevance, one of the three listed just doesn't seem to belong. Guess which one?
April 24, 2009    guitarhero@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
If Taiwan announces this so-called independence, the boat will be freed? What's your point?
April 24, 2009    happydays@
chinasucks--you think you're being called names? I think you have been accurately described. I have a real expletive name I would like to call you.
April 25, 2009    freedom820@
toebee007@ wrote:
We had a problem here regarding Somalia pirates seizing a fishing boat belonging to us, TAIWAN. How the hell does this concern CHINA or TAIWAN independence? Why mix POLITICS with the safety of our poor fishermen?
I know. I'm just an American who is concerned about all hostages and came across this article and blog. If you read from the top, "someone" surely started this whole China and Taiwan thing. Yes, I hope all hostages can return home safely.
April 25, 2009    tophat@
Why does chinasucks keep referring to cncncn and giving this person validity? chinasucks seems confused.
April 25, 2009    hkchen@
You don't have to hate China to REALLY care about the future of Taiwan.
April 26, 2009    roc4freedom@
For 2,920 days and nights, we all had a very bad and miserable dream.

Look beyond at our neighbors. PROC, SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, THAILAND, MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE. They DEVELOPED and PROGRESSED beyond our own sense of imagination.

For 2,920 days and nights, what DEVELOPMENTS AND PROGRESS did the DPP achieve?

2,920 days and nights is really a nightmare that caused so much anxiety, stress, uncertainty, tension and sleepless nights.

Thank goodness that its over. Pres. Ma and the KMT can give ROC PROGRESS and give every CITIZEN of R.O.CHINA a good DREAM. DREAM of our past GLORY and live peacefully.
YES, our Pres Ma CAN.
April 27, 2009    chinasucks@
happydays@ wrote:
chinasucks--you think you're being called names? I think you have been accurately described. I have a real expletive name I would like to call you.
Go ahead! If that's all you can do, then you are no better than getboba…just a name caller. All these comments for pro-China solidifies my views even more.
April 27, 2009    chinasucks@
 
getboba@ wrote:
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
I was responding to an earlier comment (Taiwan is no world power) made by dalailiar. That will self explain. Maybe the boat will be free, maybe it won't, but bc Taiwan is not considered a "country" in UN, we have to rely on other countries' help. If Tawan IS an world power, then we could do more for our people.
April 27, 2009    chinasucks@
getboba@ wrote:
Chinasucks@, I suppose some racists don't believe they're racists....they will just make stereotypically degrading comments regarding an entire race of people and think that they are above it all. So you think I must be a mainland Chinese simply because I despise another person's racial comments about them? Whatever. Whether your racist comments were towards China, the nations of Africa, India, USA, or any other country, I still would have thought they were racist, ignorant and idiotic. You know, it's OK to care about something that isn't directly related to or benefited by you. Many of the deteriorating societies/governments in the world are where they are because of people with your type of thinking. What's next for you to propose, ethnic cleansing in Taiwan? I hope all your hate can be resolved. I won't be further goaded into a pointless debate with someone who is only interested in dividing the people of Taiwan and creating more hate. By the way, you can yawn and pretend to be bored all you want because your anger and hostility speaks for itself.
Obviously you and I have different points of view on what's good for Taiwan. Racist, ignorant, idiotic are the only words that you like to use, so that tells me that you are a rude person. If you want to engage in a discussion with someone, you don't call names to start. Hope you've learned your lesson before you move on to other blogs and try to degrade others simply because their views differ from yours. I didn't divide people of Taiwan. It was already divided since WW2.
April 27, 2009    CNCNCN@
I LOVE these new comments. CHINA rules! KMT=Commies. One day SOON, TWN will be OURS!
April 27, 2009    CNCNCN@
tophat@ wrote:
Why does chinasucks keep referring to cncncn and giving this person validity? chinasucks seems confused.
Hey buddy, chinasucks is not confused. He is clearly a commie hater who can see right through me. You all are playing into my game. Do you love CN too?
April 27, 2009    j_warner@
I think there is enough hate to begin with from all parties. Another topic...got a Taiwanese buddy who was rejected to set up a Taiwan booth in a small international event. The Chinese students (from mainland) voiced that the Taiwanese flag shouldn't be used in that event and that everything in written Chinese needed to be in simplified form. A question for anyone out there...how do you feel about that? I'm just an American who is interested in China/Taiwan politics. Not here to offend anyone, so no name calling please :-). Peace out!
April 27, 2009    j_warner@
 
freedom820@ wrote:
I know. I'm just an American who is concerned about all hostages and came across this article and blog. If you read from the top, "someone" surely started this whole China and Taiwan thing. Yes, I hope all hostages can return home safely.
Word! Hope all can go home without being harmed.
April 27, 2009    CNCNCN@
Aw...getboba, you're leaving me? Thanks for defending the commies. You will be dearly missed!!!
May 20, 2009    jackystar2008@
chinasucks@ wrote:
This shows that Taiwan should announce its independence SOON because low-class mainlanders obviously don't care about Taiwanese. So why should Taiwan consider the One-China policy? Mainlanders are communists. They only know how to destroy...read the history...cultural revolution, Tiananmen square blood bath, and most recently...damaging Taiwan scenic spots.
YOU SAY LOW CLASS CHINESE...WHY ...YOU THINK YOU ARE FROM FRANCE OR FROM USA...YOUR ARE CHINESE SAME AS THEM ..THE CHINESE BLOOD GO IN YOUR BODY EVERY SECOND OF YOUR LIFE...
May 22, 2009     kcheng@
tublairy@ wrote:
If the navy escorts the fishing boats, who will shoulder the cost? Surely, this is not a cost effective solution. Practically speaking, the cheapest solution is to arm the fishing boats themselves. Of course, there would be legal obstacles to such a solution.
You have no concept! First of all, I believe the Taiwan navy should escort the ships. Who cares about any cost?? That is just an excuse. The Koreans and Japanese send ships to escort! Send in the navy! This is a decision for the current administration! This will also reflect confidence of the people of Taiwan. As far as DPP govt or whatever govt including the KMT, fighting China is based on defense of the out shore islands with strategic offensive pre-emption and determination to protect home turf!
May 22, 2009    zgm789456@
 
getboba@ wrote:
To say that you are a complete idiot would be the understatement of the year.
Agree with U !
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 Taiwan helpless to aid boat hijacked by Somali pirates 
Win Far 161is seen here. The Kaohsiung-based 600-ton tuna boat was hijacked by Somali pirates near the Seychelles on Monday. (CNA)

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