Pakistan bars Taiwanese airlines from its airspace, report says

Pakistan has barred Taiwanese airlines from its airspace, in what Bloomberg reported was the first such move by a country, as Islamabad enforces its One-China policy.

Anadolu Agency reported, citing Bloomberg, that Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the aviation division follows the policy and allows only mainland Chinese airlines to use the airspace.

Flight-tracking data showed that Taiwanese carriers began rerouting flights over the weekend. “China Airlines” and “Eva Airways” have not flown over Pakistan since Sunday.

The two airlines declined to comment to Bloomberg, while Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration did not address the rerouting.

Pakistan’s restrictions are stricter than China’s, which permits Taiwanese airlines to fly over its territory. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province, while Taipei insists on its independence.

Pakistan severed official relations with Taiwan in 1951 in support of the One-China policy.

Islamabad and Beijing have strengthened ties through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has channelled billions of dollars into Pakistan.

China is also Pakistan’s largest arms supplier. On Tuesday, it launched the China-Pakistan Information Corridor.