Taiwanese authorities report that China initially attempted to disrupt the presidential journey to Africa by pressing nations to refuse flight permissions, and believes Beijing applied similar pressure when Pakistan temporarily shut its airspace to Taiwan carriers.
Chen Ming-chi, Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that the action by Pakistan marked an instance where airspace restrictions were deployed against Taiwan.
During a Bloomberg TV discussion, Chen explained that months prior, overflight permissions were withheld by Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles, disrupting a state trip by President Lai Ching-te to Eswatini in Africa.
Taiwan Suspects China Behind Pakistan's Ban
Although lacking proof, Chen indicated that Taiwan believes Beijing orchestrated the restriction enacted by Pakistan.
Such actions delivered a dangerous signal globally regarding Beijing's ability to influence states like Pakistan to restrict flight paths, which Chen described as a threatening trend for aviation freedom.
No immediate reply to comment requests came from the Foreign Ministry of China.
Ban Reversed Within Days
Starting October 25, carriers China Airlines and EVA Air from Taiwan halted flights over Pakistan, requiring alternative routes for Asia and Europe journeys, which involved flying over Russia.
Permission to use Pakistani airspace until late March of the following year has now been granted to both companies by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Thursday morning marked the resumption of Taiwanese commercial flights crossing through Pakistani airspace.
As a nation with strong diplomatic ties to Beijing, Pakistan became the initial country implementing a blanket restriction against all Taiwanese operators. Islamabad aligned its airspace closure with those relations.
Taiwan announced plans to cooperate closely alongside the United States and additional nations regarding the airspace situation.
