On January 13, 2024, free, democratic, peaceful, and transparent elections were held in the Republic of China (Taiwan), where the people expressed their will and elected the formula that would lead the government for the next four years.

In response to this, the People's Republic of China daily sent spy balloons and engaged in other coercive acts. A few weeks later, on January 30, the Civil Aviation Administration of China unilaterally decided to revoke three air routes, violating the rules and regulations established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

It is worth remembering that Taiwan and China signed an agreement in 2015 regarding air routes M503, W122, and W123. Likewise, according to the ICAO Air Traffic Services Planning Manual, any modification of routes should only be made once coordinated with all stakeholders.

In this regard, China adjusted the M503 route without prior consultation to approach the median line of the Taiwan Strait; and routes W122 and W123, which fly closer to the islands of Kinmen and Matsu (Taiwan).

China's actions significantly undermine the trust and credibility of agreements, as well as the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, such modification - indicative of the authoritarian nature of the Chinese government - endangers aviation safety, peace, and stability in the region.

We call on the international community for China to negotiate route modifications with Taiwan. Failure to do so could result in potential risks and dangers in aviation, for which China will be solely responsible.