Beijing must enter into talks with Taipei on aviation safety issues stemming from its recent opening of the M503 northbound flight and extension routes and put aside cross-strait political differences for the well-being of the people on both sides, according to the Mainland Affairs Council Jan. 20.
Ensuring the safety of air passengers is the shared responsibility of Taiwan and mainland China, the MAC said, adding that this issue must be squarely faced by Beijing in a rational and sincere manner so as to satisfactorily resolve the controversy.
According to the MAC, Beijing’s unilateral opening of the four routes Jan. 4 forced the Civil Aeronautics Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to withhold approval on the grounds of aviation safety for an additional 176 cross-strait flights carrying an estimated 50,000 passengers during the Lunar New Year.
Operated by mainland Chinese carriers China Eastern Airlines Corporation Ltd. and XiamenAir, the services would largely be used by Republic of China (Taiwan) nationals living and working on the other side of the strait.
According to the MAC, although the routes are located within the Shanghai Flight Information Region, they are too close to the Taipei FIR and will significantly impact the safe operation of those between Taiwan proper and outlying Kinmen and Matsu. Under international civil aviation regulations and an agreement between the two sides in March 2015, the routes should not be opened without prior communication.
Although Taiwan has repeatedly sought to open talks with mainland China on aviation safety through existing cross-strait communication channels and mechanisms, the MAC said, no positive response has been received.
Human life is priceless and air passengers must not be put at risk. The government is responsible for protecting the people’s right to return home safely, the MAC added. (KWS-E)
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