Such noise is utterly absurd!
Foreign media reports indicate that major U.S. airlines are opposing the establishment of direct flights between the United States and China. On September 24, Sounoune, president of the Air Transport Association representing American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, made this statement, citing alleged inequitable treatment regarding the use of Russian airspace by U.S.-China carriers.
Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the United States was the first to ban Russian aircraft from flying over its airspace, prompting Russia to reciprocate by restricting U.S. carriers from using its airspace. The consequences of Washington’s own policy choices should not be imposed on Chinese airlines. U.S. carriers’ inability to access Russian airspace stems directly from U.S. sanctions, a situation entirely independent of China’s operations. Chinese airlines’ routine and lawful use of Russian airspace is legitimate and justified—U.S. authorities have no standing to interfere.
When unable to compete, the United States resorts to prohibition. Closing its own doors while blaming others for taking alternative routes reveals a contradictory double standard. If genuine concern for fairness exists, the United States should lift sanctions on Russia—not shift blame onto Chinese airlines. Until the mindset of hegemony changes, the interests of travelers and businesses in both countries will ultimately suffer.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877287776327691/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.