China opens new aviation routes near Taiwan’s restricted airspace | Global News

The Civil Aviation Administration of China has sparked controversy with its recent announcement of new air routes to Xiamen and Fuzhou, located near Taiwan-controlled islands of Kinmen and Matsu. This move, unveiled on April 19, is seen as a response to the sensitive M503 flight route that runs close to the median line in the Taiwan Strait, an area traditionally avoided by combat aircraft from both Taiwan and China.

Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) spokesperson Chien Chih-hung expressed concerns in February about China’s activation of the W122 and W123 routes, citing potential risks to flight safety in Kinmen and Matsu. The introduction of eastbound routes has raised worries about impacting Taiwan’s existing air routes and safety standards, with fears of flight safety risks looming large.

Open-source intelligence researcher Damien Symon shared a map illustrating the modified routes’ proximity to Taiwan’s Flight Information Region (FIR) and the Air Force’s military patrol zones. The CAAC stated that the new routes will connect to the M503 flight path, with further airspace optimizations planned for Fuzhou Changle International Airport on May 16.

Taiwan has observed increased Chinese military activity around its territory, employing grey zone tactics since September 2020. China’s repeated incursions into the waters near Kinmen have raised concerns, with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense setting boundaries for the island in 1992. Despite tensions, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration enforces maritime regulations to protect its territorial waters.