Taiwan had hoped to take part in the U.N. specialized agency’s triennial gathering from Sept. 27 to Oct.7 this year, but was denied participation due to interference from mainland China, according to the Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council.
During their stay in Montreal, the delegation will thank friendly nations that voiced their support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in the ICAO Assembly. The officials also plan to hold talks with these countries on issues ranging from aviation rights and flight safety to anti-terrorism efforts.
In September 2013, then CAA Director-General Shen Chi led a nine-member delegation to the triennial ICAO Assembly under the designation “Chinese Taipei,” the first time representatives from Taiwan had attended the gathering in 42 years.
“Taiwan did not receive an invitation to the 39th ICAO Assembly, and we wish to express our strong dissatisfaction and regret,” President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 23 while receiving a European Parliament delegation at the Office of the President in Taipei City. She said the situation was unfair, and Taiwan’s lack of participation is detrimental to international flight safety.
Minister of Foreign Affairs David Tawei Lee, speaking at a press conference the same day, said the nation is not discouraged and will continue seeking meaningful participation in international organizations to ensure the nation’s rights. “The government will also keep working to build valuable and ongoing partnerships with countries around the world for mutual benefit through its approach of steadfast diplomacy,” he said.
Taiwan is an important part of global aviation responsible for managing large numbers of aircraft in the Taipei Flight Information Region, which covers 180,000 square nautical miles and borders four other FIRs: Fukuoka, Manila, Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 2015, the Taipei FIR provided services to nearly 1.53 million controlled flights carrying 58 million travelers. (OC-E)
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