Radio Taiwan International
Date: 24 September, 2019
By: Paula Chao
The foreign ministry says Taiwan’s bid to join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou (RTI file photo)
In a joint communique issued in April, G7 foreign ministers urged the ICAO to include all aviation authorities in its membership. Ou said this sign of support was an unprecedented move.
Taiwan has been barred from attending ICAO because of pressure from China. But Ou said Taiwan plays a crucial role in aviation safety in Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.
“The ICAO shouldn’t be manipulated by any single member country. It should insist on its neutrality and professionalism and find an appropriate way to accept Taiwan as soon as possible on the basis of aviation safety and international passengers’ rights. Only [by doing so] will it be able to guarantee that the global aviation security system does not have any loopholes," said Ou.
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