TAIPEI, Taiwan – A Philippine special envoy visited Taiwan on Thursday (August 8th) to offer an "official apology" for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, a move likely to ease severely strained ties, AFP reported.

Amadeo R. Perez, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, which handles relations in the absence of diplomatic ties, travelled to Hsiao Liu Chiu to meet the family of fisherman Hung Shih-cheng.

Perez, in televised comments, said he wished to convey "the Philippine people's deep regret and apology to the family of Mr. Hung Shih-cheng over this unfortunate loss of life of their beloved one".

Tensions between Taipei and Manila rose sharply after the 65-year-old old was shot dead by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on May 9th in waters near an island in the Philippines' extreme north, which Taiwan also claims as part of its economic zone.

Diplomatic tensions eased after Philippine authorities said Wednesday they had recommended homicide charges against eight PCG for Hung's death.