Taiwan criticised China's unilateral decision to open new air routes near two Taiwanese-controlled islands, citing concerns over flight safety. The Taiwanese government expressed frustration in January following China's alteration of a flight path known as M503 near the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, a democratically-governed territory.

China has introduced new air routes to its cities of Xiamen and Fuzhou, named W123 and W122 respectively, which intersect with the existing M503 flight route. These routes run parallel to established pathways to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu, facilitating regular flights to and from Taiwan.

The announcement follows China's earlier statement in January regarding the opening of west-to-east routes, oriented towards Taiwan, along the two flight paths originating from Xiamen and Fuzhou. However, the commencement date for these routes has not been disclosed until now.

China's civil aviation regulator announced that the new routes, W123 and W122, are now operational. Additionally, it stated that airspace around Fuzhou airport would be "further optimised" from May 16.

The statement did not provide further details. Notably, this action coincides with the inauguration of Taiwan President-elect Lai Ching-te, scheduled for May 20. Beijing views Lai as a dangerous separatist figure. Despite Lai's repeated offers for talks with China, they have been consistently rejected.

A senior Taiwan official, speaking anonymously, described China's announcement of the flight routes as part of a broader pattern of pre-inauguration pressure. They suggested that China aims to compel Taiwan to change its behaviour through such actions. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

China's aviation regulator stated that the adjustments to flight paths were made to address development needs, ensure safety, and enhance response capabilities to weather conditions.

However, Taiwan's Civil Aviation Administration criticised the move, stating that it posed significant safety risks due to the proximity of Chinese and Taiwanese flight paths, particularly near Kinmen, where the distance is only 1.1 nautical miles.

Taiwan's air traffic controllers will strongly urge Chinese counterparts to redirect any aircraft nearing Taiwanese airspace. Chinese aircraft are not permitted by Taiwan to enter airspace controlled by Taipei around Kinmen and Matsu.

The strait's median line, previously an informal boundary, is now disregarded by China, which regularly sends warplanes over it to assert sovereignty claims. Flights between Taiwan and China's Xiamen and Fuzhou avoid crossing the strait directly, while domestic Taiwanese flights to Kinmen and Matsu do so. Taiwan previously protested the M503 route in 2018, stating that China opened it without prior notification, violating a 2015 agreement.

Image source: Reuters