The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) recently announced the establishment of new air routes to Xiamen and Fuzhou, near Taiwan-controlled islands Kinmen and Matsu, as reported by Taiwan News. This move, unveiled on Friday, April 19, is linked to the contentious M503 flight route, which skirts the sensitive median line in the Taiwan Strait, a traditionally avoided area by combat aircraft from both Taiwan and China.
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan expressed concerns over China’s activation of the W122 and W123 routes, stating they would impact the flight safety of Kinmen and Matsu. Previously, flights operated solely in a westward direction to ensure safety. The eastbound flights now pose risks to existing air routes, raising significant safety concerns, according to Taiwan News.
The CAAC stated that the adjustments to the airspace in Fujian province, including the M503 route and its connecting flight paths, aim to meet the development needs of aviation transportation in the region. These changes purportedly prioritize flight safety, enhance operational efficiency, and cater to passenger travel needs, especially during the thunderstorm season.
In January, the CAAC announced the cancellation of the flight “offset measure” for route M503, bringing Chinese flights closer to the median line and Taiwan’s Flight Information Region (FIR). Additionally, plans were made to enable eastbound W122 and W123 routes to improve airspace operations, connecting route M503 with Fuzhou and Xiamen.
The heightened tensions between Taiwan and China extend beyond airspace disputes, with Taiwan reporting increased tracking of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels. China’s incremental use of grey zone tactics, involving military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan since September 2020, has raised concerns.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense set boundaries for Kinmen island in 1992, which Beijing tacitly abided by until recently. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration has been authorised to enforce maritime regulations, including seizing foreign vessels entering prohibited and restricted waters.
As tensions persist in the Taiwan Strait, the escalation of disputes over airspace and maritime territories underscores the ongoing geopolitical challenges between Taiwan and China, with implications for regional stability and security.
