Focus Taiwan
Date: 2018/01/20
By: C.L. Chen and Lee Hsin-Yin

Taipei, Jan. 20 (CNA) Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Chiu Chui-cheng

CNA file photo

(邱垂正) said Saturday that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should begin negotiations on aviation issues related to Beijing’s recent unilateral decision to launch a flight route close to the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

Chiu told CNA that such discussions are necessary, adding that although the Taiwanese government has voiced strong protests and demanded technical negotiations about what it considers to be a controversial route, it has received no response of goodwill from Beijing.

The council has shown support for Taiwan’s Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), which announced earlier this week that it will put on hold approval of applications by two China-based airlines to operate extra flights over the Feb. 15-20 Lunar New Year holiday as a protest.    [FULL  STORY]