Taiwan recalls envoy, suspends hiring over Philippine row

Taiwan is suspending hiring Filipino workers and recalling its envoy amid a row over the killing of a fisherman.

Taiwan said the move showed President Ma Ying-jeou's "strong dissatisfaction" with Manila's handling of the case.

The fisherman, Hung Shih-cheng, was shot by the Philippine coast guard last week in waters both sides claim.

Early on Wednesday, the Philippine envoy in Taipei apologised over the incident - after a three-day deadline set by Taiwan for an apology expired.

Antonio Basilio, head of the Philippine Representative Office in Taiwan, said Manila had agreed to compensate the fisherman's family and conduct a joint investigation into the incident.

"The Filipino people and the government understand the hurt and grief that the Taiwanese people have felt as result of the death of one of their own fellow citizens," Mr Basilio said.