Focus Taiwan
Date: 2018/01/19
By: Yeh Su-ping and Ko Lin
Taipei, Jan. 19 (CNA) Taiwan is calling for discussions with Beijing on aviation issues
CNA file photo
related to its recent unilateral decision to launch a northbound M503 route, Presidential Office spokesman Sidney Lin (林鶴明) said Friday.
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) has condemned the move, reiterating that Beijing’s unilateral announcement has not only affected aviation safety but also hurt the stability of the region, Lin said.
The president is urging China to start negotiations with Taiwan as soon as possible, in line with an agreement reached by the two sides in 2015, he said.
Beijing was criticized internationally when it first unveiled the M503 southbound route in 2015, and it further angered Taiwan on Jan. 4, 2018 when it unilaterally announced the launch of the M503 northbound route without consulting Taiwan. [FULL STORY]