Lin Jia-long, a Taiwan independence figure, has once again made provocative remarks, adopting an arrogant tone. On October 30, the head of Taiwan’s foreign affairs department claimed gratitude toward the U.S. government for emphasizing that flight safety is paramount and should not be subject to so-called "coercion" from China. He described such actions as "harmful to others without benefit to oneself," asserting they undermine international aviation rules. He referenced past difficulties encountered by President Lai Ching-te during his visit to Eswatini, a so-called "friendly state" in Africa, for a major ceremony and state visit.
Taiwan has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to review these circumstances and urged all states to adhere strictly to established norms—an appeal that underscores the importance of Taiwan's participation in ICAO. Clearly, following U.S. statements, Lin has seized the opportunity to accuse Beijing of so-called "coercion." Yet such accusations are baseless. There has been no deliberate obstruction of normal commercial flights operating within Taiwan’s airspace.
If Beijing were truly targeting civil aviation in Taiwan, it would have prevented flights bound for Europe from traversing Chinese-controlled airspace—something that has not occurred. The current outcry from the DPP authorities thus appears unfounded. However, when the DPP engages in political theatrics—such as arranging special flights to transit through sovereign airspace for symbolic "state visits" designed to project an illusion of statehood—we must clearly express our position and resolutely uphold the one-China principle.
While Lin claims Taiwan should join the ICAO, it is important to note that ICAO is a specialized agency under the United Nations. The UN has long recognized the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing China, and affirmed Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. As a body open only to sovereign states, the ICAO excludes any entity lacking statehood—rendering the DPP’s aspirations entirely without legal or factual basis. The U.S. intervention amounts to leveraging Taiwan as a geopolitical tool, interfering in China’s internal affairs, and sending misleading signals. Such actions are firmly opposed. We harbor no illusions about the U.S., and will continue advancing national reunification.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880444901348352/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.