Pakistan briefly closed its airspace to Taiwanese cargo and passenger flights, an unprecedented move that Taiwan suspects was driven by China. The closure forced China Airlines and EVA Air to reroute their Asia-Europe flights, which normally cross Pakistan. Pakistani authorities later informed the two airlines that the ban would be lifted, but only temporarily, until the end of the winter.

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi confirmed the closure and reopening and condemned the action as a "very bad practice" if China was behind it, warning that it could affect global supply chains and passenger safety. Taiwan fears the tactic of blocking airspace access could spread to other countries in the Global South. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes its participation in international organisations, while Pakistan and China have maintained close diplomatic and strategic ties for decades.

Kernpunkte:

• Pakistan briefly closed its airspace to Taiwanese cargo and passenger flights.
• Taiwan suspected China of being behind the unprecedented move.
• Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi confirmed that Pakistan had closed and reopened its airspace to Taiwanese airlines.

Quelle: The Japan Times (Englisch)