Pakistan ban shows ICAO inclusion needed: minister
By Fang Wei-li / Staff reporter, with CNA
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) yesterday thanked the US for condemning Pakistan’s brief ban on Taiwanese carriers using its airspace, saying that the politically motivated block underscored the urgent need for Taiwan’s inclusion in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Pakistani Minister of Defence Khawaja Asif, who also serves as minister of aviation, on Wednesday said the country would only allow Chinese airlines to fly over Pakistani airspace, in adherence with the “one China” policy.
Taiwanese airlines were seen on flight trackers diverting to avoid Pakistani airspace starting on Sunday morning.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung speaks at the inauguration of the Global UAV Academy in Taipei yesterday.
Photo: CNA
However, hours after Asif’s comments were published, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority reversed the decision, granting China Airlines and EVA Airways approval to use its airspace until March 27 next year.
The US Department of State on Thursday said it welcomed reports of the reversal.
An unnamed department spokesperson said Beijing is continuously escalating its efforts to isolate Taiwan and intimidate international partners.
These actions undermine the sovereign decisions of other nations, disrupt lawful international commerce, and threaten global peace and prosperity, they said, adding that international civil aviation relies on predictable and non-discriminatory technical rules.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Global UAV Academy opening ceremony in Taipei yesterday, Lin said that Pakistan’s ban had created international flight safety issues and triggered widespread concern.
“We are grateful that the US government pointed out that aviation safety is paramount and should not be subject to Chinese coercion,” he said, describing the ban as a move that “harms others without benefiting oneself.”
Lin recounted a similar incident this year, when President William Lai’s (賴清德) chartered flight to Eswatini was disrupted after the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar abruptly canceled overflight permissions due to Chinese pressure.
Taiwan urges the ICAO to investigate these incidents and require all nations to abide by established norms, he said, adding that those highlighted why Taiwan must be allowed to participate in the organization.
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