A diplomatic dispute between Taiwan and the Philippines intensified Thursday, as Taipei began a military exercise in the disputed waters between both countries.
The air and naval drills in the Bashi Channel come a week after the Philippines Coast Guard shot dead a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman, prompting outrage in Taiwan.
The family of the fisherman and Taiwanese officials have refused to meet the Philippine president's personal representative who was sent to Taiwan to apologize for the death.
Taiwan's premier Jiang Yi-huah rejected the apology of President Benigno Aquino because it referred to the shooting as "unfortunate" and "unintentional." Taiwan also rejected an earlier statement of regret by a lower-ranking official.