China Demanded Resumption of Direct Flight Routes Before Zheng-Xi Meeting; Mainland Affairs Council States Intent to Pressure

Before the 'Zheng-Xi Meeting' held by KMT Chairman Eric Chu from April 7th to 12th, China had already requested the resumption of direct cross-strait flight routes. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that this move was intended to pressure the government and compel public authority to comply with the 'KMT-CCP talks'. The council also pointed out that current flight routes and capacity are sufficient, with no urgent need for immediate expansion. The Mainland Affairs Council stated in a press release tonight that after the 'KMT-CCP talks' in Beijing on April 10th, the CCP announced '10 measures to promote cross-strait exchange and cooperation' on April 12th, including 'fully resuming direct cross-strait passenger flights'. The unilateral announcement of these measures, bypassing the government on matters involving public authority, fully exposes the nature of the KMT-CCP transaction behind these measures. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that the PRC's civil aviation contact channel sent a letter to Taiwan on April 7th requesting the full resumption of cross-strait passenger flight routes. The timing clearly coincided with the 'KMT-CCP talks' and the CCP's announcement of 10 Taiwan-related measures, aiming to pressure the government and compel public authority to implement the 'KMT-CCP talks'. The Mainland Affairs Council pointed out that the PRC has repeatedly called for the full resumption of direct cross-strait passenger flights for political and united front considerations. Since the pandemic, the government has been gradually resuming direct cross-strait flight routes based on the cross-strait interaction situation and actual civil aviation needs. To date, there are 15 scheduled flight routes and 13 charter flight destinations. Analysis of current utilization rates and charter flight applications by operators indicates that existing routes and capacity are sufficient, with no immediate urgent need for further opening. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that in the future, the government will continue to adhere to its consistent policy principles and pragmatic approach when calling for the resumption of direct cross-strait passenger flights, regularly review the operation of direct cross-strait passenger flights, and make timely adjustments based on changes in cross-strait interaction and actual needs, without being influenced by the CCP's united front and political maneuvering. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 1150416