The ROC government goal of securing direct participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization received a major boost March 7 following the adoption of a resolution by the U.S. Congress backing Taiwan’s bid for observer status in the U.N. body.
According to the resolution, Taiwan’s presence in the ICAO would enhance global cooperation in managing aviation security threats. In addition, it urges Washington to help Taipei build international support for its goal of ICAO observer status, and requests the U.S. Department of State keep the Congress informed of all progress in the matter.
Taiwan is a major international transportation hub linking Asia, Europe and North America. Over 1.35 million controlled flights pass through the Taipei Flight Information Region per year, while 56 airlines operate regular services connecting Taiwan to 110 cities around the world. For the sake of passenger safety and international security, it is time Taiwan was brought into the ICAO fold.
The ROC has long been an important contributor to international civil aviation, yet the nation continues to be excluded from the meetings and activities of the ICAO—a worrying trend to the detriment of international aviation security.
Global safety standards established by the ICAO are the basis of many countries’ civil aviation regulations. Taiwan, however, is forced to obtain this information indirectly through other nations, nongovernmental organizations, neighboring flight information regions and private companies. But these updates are neither as comprehensive nor as timely as need be.
This situation impacts Taiwan’s ability to smoothly implement aviation safety programs. It also means that the island must spend more time, money and effort than ICAO members on improving aviation safety and security.
Since 9/11, countries around the world have invested considerable resources in making improvements to this critical aspect of air transport.
This prompted the ICAO to set up its Universal Security Audit Programme in June 2002.
The USAP identifies potential deficiencies in security oversight systems of member countries and recommends corrective actions. The initial cycle of program audits, conducted between November 2002 and December 2007, saw most of the 172 participants chalk up significant headway. The second round began in July 2008, and the process continues to play an invaluable role in strengthening aviation security.
But the USAP will never succeed in creating a seamless global aviation security network as long as Taiwan remains excluded, in marked contrast to the ICAO fundamental principle of universality.
The U.S. Congress resolution reflects widespread public and private sector opinion at home and abroad for Taiwan to take part in ICAO meetings and activities as an observer. After all, uniform standards and heightened passenger safety levels are a boon for global security and in the best interests of the international aviation industry.
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