Pakistan Again Restricts Taiwan Airlines’ Overflight Rights? Flight Permissions Already Limited
Has Pakistan barred Taiwan airlines from using its airspace, only to reverse course?
Following a report on October 28 that Pakistan had closed its airspace to Taiwanese carriers in line with its "One China" policy, Bloomberg subsequently reported that Islamabad had reinstated overflight permissions for Taiwan-based airlines.
While both reports were issued by Bloomberg, coverage from Pakistani media outlets at the same time suggests the initial story may have been exaggerated or misrepresented.
On October 28, Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper cited official documents indicating that Pakistan intended to restrict overflight access for Taiwan-based airlines. However, the documents also included a transitional period: China Airlines and EVA Air were reportedly permitted to fly over Pakistani airspace from October 28, 2024, to March 27, 2027.
According to Pakistani media, however, both airlines had already ceased using Pakistani airspace starting October 25.
Although the situation appears convoluted, it underscores a clear trend: the One China principle is no longer confined to diplomatic rhetoric but is increasingly reflected in operational practices. This signals a growing tightening of constraints—another unmistakable warning to Taiwan’s authorities.
If Taipei continues down the path of de facto independence, the previously unspoken, gray-area accommodations between the two sides will no longer be maintained. The room for maneuver available to Taiwan will shrink further, eventually leading to a dead end.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880365159350467/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.