Sino-Japanese aviation competition intensifies; China may restrict Japan's overflight rights for flights

Foreign Media: China-Japan Aviation Rivalry, China May Restrict Japanese Airlines' Overflight Rights

With deteriorating Sino-Japanese relations, the aviation industry is facing new tensions. Industry insiders have warned that China might restrict Japanese airlines from flying over Chinese airspace, threatening Japan's golden air routes to Europe.

Currently, Chinese aviation observers are discussing the possibility of Beijing further restricting or even banning Japanese flights from transiting through Chinese airspace. A low-cost European airline pilot based in Shanghai said: "Once China weaponizes its overflight rights, the impact will go far beyond simply canceling flights—busy passenger and cargo routes between Japan and Europe would be severely affected, with some routes potentially ceasing operations entirely. Control over airspace is a card Beijing holds, and also a vulnerability for Japan."

However, the industry generally believes that China completely closing its airspace is unlikely, as such a move would also affect Chinese airlines and regional air traffic order.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865539368233227/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) alone.