Summary: | 博士 === 中國文化大學 === 中山與中國大陸研究所博士班 === 102 === Abstract
In 1949, the Nationalist Government of Republic of China evacuated and relocated to Taiwan, thus forming two opposing political entities across the Taiwan Strait. It wasn't until the 1980's when citizens of the Taiwan and China initiated communications and contact. In 2008, the government of Taiwan encouraged further interactions between the two coasts which warmed up bilateral relations almost immediately. On the 4th of November in 2008, government organizations overseeing technical and business affairs between the two shores, namely, the SEF(Straits Exchange Foundation)and ARATS(Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait), signed a number of agreements;one of these agreements concerns with direct maritime shipping. On this particular agreement, subsection number 7 states :“to promote bilateral cooperation in maritime rescue formulation of procedures for rescue and joint-safeguard for the humanitarian, financial and environment aspects of maritime travel. In all cases of incidents, bi-coastal communications should be carried out and enforced according to principles of proximity followed by immediate reaction thereof. ”To implement the details of the agreement, bi-coastal governments took turns holding rescue drills. On September 16th in 2010, Chins hosted the first rescue drill in the waters between Kinmen and Xiamen while Taiwen assisted in the event ,“2010 bi-coastal cooperation in maritime search & rescue drills.”The collaboration signified important historical implications and profound influences. On August 30th in 2012, roles reversed as Taiwan hosted the second rescue drill as China assisted in the “2010 bi-coastal cooperation in maritime search & rescue drills”, effectively integrated search & rescue resources and formulated cooperative procedures. Upon observations of the two successfully held drills, it is safe to conclude that bi-coastal humanitarian efforts in maritime rescue have effectively progressed towards normality.
In reality, the realm of maritime search & rescue presents its greatest challenges in the ever-changing circumstances of the missions at sea. Any single search & rescue mission can be viewed as a standalone incident and is unlikely to become a strategic blueprint for the next mission. Such principle is considered a more appropriate approach in lieu of the nature of maritime incidents. Nonetheless, investigative analysis of the overall response-process, results, gains and losses can reveal important information on keys to a successful operation and/or areas needing improvement. In addition, such action will further strengthen the search & rescue process and add experience to the crew, all in hope to bolster rescue efficiency and increase the likelihood of a successful operation. Since both China and Taiwan realize the need eor such cooperative efforts, it is important to keep developing this mutual relationship between the two sides; insomuch as to ensure bi-coastal maritime safely, promote public support and approval, and to further augment future peace and development.
Keywords:maritime search & rescue,bi-coastal, globalization, humanitarian rescue
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