Perhaps you could try to demonstrate just a little objectivity here. I find your comments almost completely subjective.
The fact is, the Philipines National Bureau of Investigation is saying that their own Coast Guard tampered with the evidence and doctored and spliced the film. This is not something that helps the Philippine cause. It is something that shows that their Coast Guard is hiding more incriminating evidence than what they have admitted to.
So it follows that this announcment is not "more lies," by the Philippines to try and get more time to furthewr tamper with the video. They have admitted that the video has already been tampered with and that is a significant admission. It is very damning of the Philippines Coast Guard in particular. In fact, it is a rather remarkable statement by the investigating arm of the Philippines government that ultimately will work in Taiwan's favor. As it should.
As to the so-called US "lauding" of the Philippines indication of regret. I too am glad the Philippines said they regreted it. That is far better than them not indcating any remorse or sorrow and gives Taiwan a much better place to start in terms of negotiations. It is not far to move from "I regret that," to "I am sorry for that."
At the same time, it is clear that the statement of regret is not enough. I know of no one who has implied that it is. They need a full apology and compensation to the family of the man they killed, and IMHO, they need punitive damages as well because it was their Coast Guard, an official arm of government that did it.
The US, wisely, is NOT trying to mediate. They are not rperesenting themselves as such, nor have they been asked.
They are sitting back and waiting and watching the two nations work this out on their own...as they should. But the US has condemned what happened.
Jeff,
I am commenting on the article that argues that the US should be actively engaging in resolution using it's diplomatic, political and military clout. Read below.
"Expressing ‘hope’ and giving ‘encouragement’ for Asian countries to peacefully resolve these difficult disputes by themselves is not worthy of a country that has the diplomatic, political and military clout to push for and achieve conflict resolution. Needless to say, a largely hands-off attitude also does little to bolster the standing of the United States in the region."
I am being very objective and nowhere did I mention otherwise except for what the US ambassador as stated which is clearly subjective and unhelpful.
On tampering of PCG video. I would have believe it if the Taiwanese investigator had not had a chance to inspect the video when they made this announcement. They already have multiple meetings with the Taiwanese investigators and contrary to what some may believe, I am sure the Taiwanese investigators are no dummies. Hence, for all its worth, they finally did the right thing in admitting that MAYBE PERHAPS (Sarcasm) the PCG video was tampered with. Sorry but Nothing remarkable really.
Last edited: