Pakistan has forbidden Taiwanese airlines from using its airspace, reinforcing its longstanding support for Beijing’s One-China policy that has prompted carriers to alter flight routes between Asia and Europe. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the restriction on Wednesday, “The aviation division follows the One China policy — only mainland China is allowed”.

The decision marks an unusual extension of Islamabad’s diplomatic position in Taiwan into international civil aviation. Pakistan is the first country to take such a step against Taiwanese airlines in support of the policy. Flight-tracking data indicate that Taiwan-based China Airlines and EVA Airways have avoided Pakistani airspace since the........

© Naya Daur