Taiwan envoy returns to Manila after row resolved

Taiwan has sent back its representative to the Philippines, as the row triggered by the deportation of 14 Taiwanese to mainland China has been apparently resolved. Donald Lee arrived in Manila Thursday morning, ending more than six weeks of absence since he was recalled by Taipei on February 7 – five days after the 14 Taiwan nationals were deported to China.according to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. "Lee would return to his post in Manila as the dispute over the Philippines' deportation of 14 Taiwanese fraud suspects to China on Feb. 2 had been resolved," Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman James Chang earlier said Wednesday evening, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA). "We believe we can learn from the incident and continue to promote bilateral relations based on the experience gained," Chang added. The CNA report said Lee's work will now focus on negotiating with Manila authorities on how to devise a mechanism to fight cross-border crime and develop judicial assistance arrangements between Manila and Taipei. Chang said Lee will also explore the possibility of an economic partnership agreement between the two countries. Lee had not been disciplined over the deportation incident, he pointed out. (See: Taiwan recalls envoy to PHL over 14 deportees) Last March 15, Taipei lifted its restrictions on Filipinos seeking to work in Taiwan. The restrictions were in retaliation for Manila's deportation of 14 Taiwanese to China last Feb. 2. (See: OFWs start feeling brunt of PHL, Taiwan deportation row) But Taipei lifted the restrictions after Manila replaced key immigration officials who were deemed responsible for mishandling the deportation. (See: Taiwan lifts visa, work restrictions for OFWs) "Manila's removal of its top immigration officials could be seen as a type of apology, and was in line with Taipei's expectations," Taiwan’s MOFA said in a statement issued March 15.—With Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMA News