In a major policy shift, the Taiwanese government has offered to discuss cross-strait flights with China, but for now Beijing is rejecting the idea as a political ploy.

For years, Taiwan has opposed direct flights, citing concerns about security or lack of respect from Beijing. As a result and at Taiwan's insistence, all air services have been via former territories such as Hong Kong or Macau or third countries like the Philippines. Last year Taipei allowed a handful of charters to fly into China during a common holiday, but only through Hong Kong and Macau and for a limited period.

Hence, it was a ground-breaking move when President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan recently invited Chinese negotiators to Taipei to talk about direct air services. It signalled an apparent change in Taiwan's long-standing policy that might lead to direct air links.

But Beijing has rejected the idea, citing a "lack of specifics" and renewing its criticism of Chen Shui-bian for his efforts to elevate Taiwan's political status. Beijing officials view his call for dialogue on direct flights as a device to gain greater recognition for Taiwan as an independent entity. An official from Taiwan's mainland affairs council has hinted as much by noting that both sides would need to establish rules about the "one China" principle before discussing air rights.

This principle, which is subject to various interpretations, generally means that mainland China and Taiwan are "one China", even though they have separate governments.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell urged during a recent visit to Beijing that China consider talks with Taiwan, but so far there has been no response.

Taiwan's willingness to discuss cross-strait flights is the latest in a series of steps toward more pragmatic aviation policies. In September it ended a 12-year impasse with South Korea by agreeing to an immediate full resumption of passenger and cargo flights.

In 1992 Taipei cancelled all flights after Seoul switched diplomatic recognition to China.

DAVID KNIBB PERTH

 

Source: Airline Business