Pakistan has banned Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace in a move reported by Bloomberg on Wednesday, becoming the first country to take such a step as part of its adherence to Beijing’s One-China policy.
“The aviation division follows the One China policy — only mainland China is allowed,” Bloomberg quoted Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif as saying.
Asif said Islamabad now permits airlines from the People’s Republic of China to fly over Pakistan, excluding carriers from Taiwan.
Taiwanese carriers reroute flights
Flight-tracking data cited in the report showed that Taiwanese airlines began changing their routes over the weekend. China Airlines Ltd. and Eva Airways Corp. had stopped flying over Pakistani airspace by Sunday.
Both carriers declined to comment to Bloomberg, while Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration did not address the reported rerouting.
The restrictions are stricter than those imposed by China itself, which allows Taiwanese airlines to fly over its territory.
Pakistan reaffirms its position on Taiwan
Beijing considers Taiwan part of China and describes it as a breakaway province, while Taipei maintains that the island is independent.
Pakistan severed official relations with Taiwan in 1951 in support of the One-China policy, which recognises Beijing as the government of China.
Islamabad and Beijing have further strengthened their strategic and economic ties through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative that has channelled billions of dollars into Pakistan.
China is also Pakistan’s largest weapons supplier. On Tuesday, Beijing launched the China-Pakistan Information Corridor, adding another initiative to the countries’ expanding cooperation.
