Bipartisan European Parliament members have voiced concern in a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) about China’s use of aviation infrastructures as a tool for geopolitical coercion.
On March 13, 28 parliament members, including Parliament Vice-President Jan-Christoph Oetjen, jointly sent a letter to ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. The letter points out China’s unilateral cancellation of the M503 flight route after Taiwan's democratic elections. It says China also activated flight routes W122 and W123 without specific evidence that this action was based on any transportation needs. The letter also underscores how China did not coordinate with Taiwan on these matters per ICAO regulations.
The letter states that China's actions are politically motivated, endangering the stability and security of Taiwan and the region. It also highlights how air traffic management in the Taiwan Strait area became more complex and the likelihood of accidents increased as a result. It concludes that denying Taiwan's right to participate in ICAO undermines global aviation safety. The letter urges ICAO to closely monitor developments and requests all parties to abide by existing regulations.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the joint letter spanned four mainstream parties. The ministry says the letter demonstrates the European Parliament's continued concern about China's unilateral changes to the status quo and the European Parliament’s strong consensus in supporting peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The ministry says that Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded partners to safeguard global and regional security and prosperity.