‘Extremely unfair,’ ‘hurtful,’ to exclude Taiwan from ICAO

2016/09/26

The decision not to invite Taiwan to attend the 39th assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization is “extremely unfair to us as Taiwan is situated at the center of air transportation in East Asia,” Minister of Foreign Affairs David Tawei Lee said Sept. 23 at a news conference in Taipei City.

“It is to our great regret and discontent that Taiwan will be absent from the triennial meeting,” Lee said. “ICAO Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu ignored requests by many nations for Taiwan’s continuous participation, which is essential in helping achieve the specialized agency’s goal of a seamless sky.

“Both ICAO and the international community need to look squarely at the importance of Taiwan’s ICAO participation in ensuring global aviation safety.”

Statistics by Airports Council International reveal that more than 1.53 million aircraft carrying 58 million passengers passed through the Taipei Flight Information Region last year. In addition, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport was ranked 11th and sixth busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger and cargo volumes, respectively.

According to Lee, the disappointing development flies in the face of government efforts over the years urging Taiwan’s involvement in ICAO, a goal backed by many Republic of China (Taiwan) diplomatic allies and likeminded countries.

“We are not discouraged, and will continue seeking meaningful participation in international organizations to ensure the nation’s rights,” he said. “The government will also keep working to build valuable and ongoing partnerships with countries around the world for mutual benefit through its steadfast diplomacy approach.”

In a statement released the same day, the Mainland Affairs Council said it was deeply displeased with the political influence of mainland China in the ICAO decision.

“The actions of Beijing are not conducive to improving cross-strait relations and are hurtful to the people of Taiwan,” the MAC said. “They also run counter to mainland China’s public stance of promoting cross-strait peace.”

According to the MAC, It is the fundamental right and obligation of the ROC as a sovereign nation to seek participation in international organizations and ensure the country is part of the global community.

“Mainland China must rethink the consequences of its unilateral actions and prioritize communications with Taiwan so both sides can resolve differences and promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations,” the MAC said.

Taiwan took part in the 38th assembly held in 2013 as a special guest of then-ICAO Council President Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez. This was the first time in 42 years the nation had been invited to participate in an official meeting of the U.N. specialized agency responsible for setting international aviation standards and promoting air safety.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=248150&ctNode=2194&mp=9)