China has agreed to delay starting four controversial flight routes along its southeastern coast after talks with Taiwan. The Civial Aeronautics Adminstration (CAA) said Taiwan and China reached an agreement over the new flight plan late Monday.
The north-south M503 path near the median line of the Taiwan Straits will be moved 6 nautical miles further west from the original plan. The implementation of this route will also be delayed for an undetermined time. The other three east-west routes connected to the M503 will be scrapped for now. China was planning to start using the new routes on March 5 to ease congestion between Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta.
Mainland Affairs Council Minister Andrew Hsia said on Tuesday that the results of the talks were not completely satisfactory, but acceptable.
“According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, China has rights to set up flight routes in its flight information region (FIR)," said Hsia. "But China also has the obligation to discuss new flight plans with countries that own the neighboring FIR. So after our negotiations, we’ve managed to defend our rights. The result today may not be satisfactory, but it’s acceptable.”
Hsia said Taipei and Beijing will continue to negotiate the details about the remaining problems with the routes.
Premier Mao Chi-kuo also said on Tuesday that China's decision is a result of better communications and will serve the interests of both sides of the strait.