Taiwan rejects Manila's apology for shooting death of its fisherman, recalls its envoy

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Taiwan has slammed Manila's response to the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters as less than formal or sincere, and says it is recalling its representative and will discourage travel to the Philippines.

Premier Chiang Yi-huah said Wednesday that the government was displeased with the informal apology delivered early in the day by the Philippine representative office in Taipei.

Chiang said Taiwan will not accept anything short of a Philippine government apology.

Philippine coast guard personnel opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel in the Bashi Strait last Thursday, killing the fisherman.

Chiang said the navy and coast guard will stage an exercise in the area to show Taiwan's naval strength. He said a hiring freeze of Philippine workers in Taiwan will also take effect.