China News Service
Beijing, January 31
The M503 route continues to be a point of contention between mainland China and Taiwan, as the Civil Aviation Administration of China announced plans to optimize and expand the route’s operations.
Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, emphasized on January 31 that the M503 route falls within the jurisdiction of mainland civil aviation, and its establishment and use is a routine task that does not require consultation with Taiwan.
The announcement from the Civil Aviation Administration of China to cancel flight offset measures for the M503 route and enable connecting routes from west to east has been met with criticism from the Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council. The council accused mainland China of acting with political and military intent. However, Chen Binhua dismissed these claims as “completely untrue” and reiterated that the purpose of the route is to alleviate airspace congestion and ensure aviation safety.
In response to concerns that the decision to optimize the M503 route is a ploy to assert pressure on Taiwan’s sea and air rights, Chen Binhua emphasized that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory, and there is no so-called “strait center line.” He also pointed out that the route optimization is in the common interests of both sides, and will help improve cross-strait flight operations and facilitate further exchanges between the two regions.
The ongoing dispute over the M503 route underscores the complex and sensitive relationship between mainland China and Taiwan. As tensions continue to rise, dialogue and communication between the two parties will be crucial in addressing these disagreements and achieving peaceful coexistence.