Avoid Flights Over Taiwan: China's Warning to Airlines

Beijing has warned airlines to avoid flights in the vicinity of Taiwan, according to Bloomberg, citing carriers.

“China has warned Asian airlines to steer clear of flights around Taiwan, where military exercises are being conducted in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island,” the agency reported.

An official notification was sent to airlines late Tuesday evening. It mentions six airspace areas designated as “danger zones.”

The flight restrictions are in effect from August 4 at 12:00 PM (Moscow time 07:00 AM) until August 7 at 12:00 PM (Moscow time 07:00 AM).

Recall that U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi departed for Taipei on Tuesday evening, and on Wednesday morning, she met with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. This marks her first visit to Taiwan since 1997.

The U.S. administration, which has been warned by China’s leader that “playing with fire risks being burned,” reassured Beijing of its commitment to the “One China” policy but left the visit stating that the speaker makes her own decisions.