A delegation headed by Shen Chi, director-general of the Civil Aeronautics Administration under the ROC Ministry of Transportation and Communications, departed Taiwan Sept. 22 to attend the 38th International Civil Aviation Organization assembly in Canada.
“Taking part in the assembly is a strong step forward in boosting Taiwan’s aviation security,” Shen said. “It will help us obtain direct information regarding important developments in civil aviation and safety, and allow us to exchange views with civil aviation officials from around the world.”
Shen made the remarks before departing Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for the triennial event, which runs Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 in Montreal. The CAA head and her delegation were invited Sept. 13 by ICAO Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez to participate as his guests.
The main topics on the assembly’s agenda for this year include aviation safety, a global security program and an environmentally friendly and sustainable aviation industry.
“We will participate in the event in a pragmatic and professional manner,” Shen said.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Taiwan’s ICAO participation will be in a dignified, meaningful, professional and pragmatic fashion.
The invitation reflects an international consensus and is a special arrangement by ICAO, the spokesperson said.
Responding to claims that Taiwan is belittled by participating in ICAO under the name Chinese Taipei Civil Aeronautics Administration rather than Civil Aeronautics Administration, Chinese Taipei, the spokesperson said it makes no difference grammatically whether Chinese Taipei comes before or after CAA.
Joseph C. Murphy, an associate professor with Fu Jen Catholic University’s Department of English and Literature, said grammatically, placement of Chinese Taipei before or after the name of the organization does not affect its interpretation.
“The Chinese Taipei Civil Aeronautics Administration is the same as the Civil Aeronautics Administration, Chinese Taipei. The placement is merely a stylistic variation,” he said.
According to the spokesperson, Taiwan’s ICAO involvement enables the country to access international aviation information and establish and maintain communication channels with aviation counterparts. (RC-JSM)
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