CAA, MND protest Beijing’s flight route plan

2015-01-15

A unilateral decision by mainland China to implement four new flight routes along the median line of the Taiwan Strait is unacceptable, the Civil Aeronautics Administration said Jan. 13.

“The north-south M503 route is too close to the Taipei Flight Information Region and just 7.8 kilometers away from Taiwan’s airspace,” CAA Director-General Jean Shen said.

“The east-west W121, W122 and W123 routes extending from M503 also pose considerable threat to flight safety as they could interfere with air traffic between Taiwan and the outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu.”

According to Shen, Beijing plans to inaugurate March 5 its new routes for civilian aircraft. “As per the spirit of the International Civil Aviation Organization, all members should conduct negotiations in advance of announcing a new air route affecting neighboring FIRs.

“Beijing must communicate with Taipei over this matter and seek consensus before moving ahead.”

In response to concerns that Beijing’s new arrangements may breach Taiwan’s airspace, the Ministry of National Defense reiterated the military’s commitment to protecting the country’s territory.

“Routine air patrols will not be affected,” Maj. Gen. Mei Chia-shu of the MND’s Operations and Planning Division said. “The armed forces will continue carrying out regular missions and training irrespective of mainland China’s intention to implement new flight routes.”

Mei said the military’s surveillance and response capabilities are adequate to meeting any emergency that may arise. “Fighter jets will be scrambled to intercept and escort unauthorized aircraft out of Taiwan’s airspace.

“The armed forces are resolute in accomplishing their mission and meeting all challenges head on.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=226264&CtNode=413)