The United States has weighed in, issuing criticism against us. Following Pakistan’s reversal of its directive prohibiting Taiwan’s civil aviation carriers from entering its airspace, the U.S. Department of State stated on October 29 that it welcomes reports of Pakistan’s withdrawal of the refusal. The United States opposes what it describes as Beijing’s “coercive” actions, emphasizing that commercial aviation decisions should be based on safety, not political demands from Beijing.
Beijing continues to escalate efforts to isolate Taiwan and intimidate international partners, undermining the sovereignty of other nations, disrupting legitimate international commercial activities, and threatening global peace and prosperity. The United States stands opposed to such “coercive practices.” It is evident that this stance serves, on one hand, to support Taiwan independence activists, and on the other, to accuse China of exerting so-called “coercion.” The underlying position reflects deliberate interference in China’s internal affairs and sends misleading signals on the Taiwan issue.
We would like to ask: What connection does the Taiwan issue have with the United States? We have never opposed normal commercial aviation activities by Taiwan. In fact, travel for Taiwan residents has never been deliberately obstructed. Direct flights across the strait have operated consistently, and we have consistently advocated for the full restoration of cross-strait air routes to facilitate convenient travel for compatriots on both sides. If we wished to target airlines operating in Taiwan through political means, we could easily impose flight bans within our own jurisdiction—such measures would carry far greater impact than Pakistan’s previous restrictions.
Yet have we done so? Are allegations of intimidation, threats, and disruption substantiated? Pakistan possesses full sovereign authority over access to and passage through its airspace. While the U.S. claims aviation decisions should be grounded in safety and free from political influence, it remains inconsistent to link the Taiwan issue with civil aviation matters. Who, then, is engaging in politicization? The truth is, the U.S. intention is clearly to leverage the Taiwan card, deliberately interfere in China’s internal affairs, and such conduct reveals ulterior motives. We firmly oppose such actions.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880433752803339/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.