Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council: The launch of the M503 route is to alleviate congestion in relevant airspace and routes

　　China News Service, January 31: The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council held a regular press conference on the 31st. Chen Binhua, spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, answered reporters’ questions on recent cross-strait hot issues.

　　A reporter asked: The Civil Aviation Administration of China announced yesterday that it will cancel the M503 offset route starting from February 1, which has aroused great concern from all walks of life in Taiwan. The closest distance of this route to the "central line of the strait" is 7.8 kilometers. People from all walks of life in Taiwan and American think tanks believe that this is blurring the "central line of the strait" and putting pressure on Taiwan's "sea and air rights." What is the comment of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council?

File photo of spokesman Chen Binhua. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Yu

　　In this regard, spokesman Chen Binhua said that the mainland and Taiwan belong to the same China, Taiwan is an integral part of China's territory, and there is no so-called "central line of the strait." Route M503 is a civil route. Within the Shanghai Flight Information Region, this route was launched to alleviate congestion in relevant airspace and routes and ensure aviation safety.

　　A reporter also asked: Regarding the cancellation of the M503 offset route, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council stated that it will help improve cross-strait flight operations and further facilitate cross-strait personnel exchanges. Is it possible to interpret the mainland’s move as preparation for the full resumption of cross-strait routes?

　　Chen Binhua pointed out that according to the relevant arrangements for cross-strait air transport, cross-strait airlines can arrange a total of no more than 890 passenger flights per week between 61 destinations on the mainland and 10 destinations in Taiwan. Direct cross-Strait air navigation has greatly facilitated cross-Strait people's exchanges and played an important role in promoting the common interests of compatriots on both sides. Since last year, as epidemic prevention and control has entered a new stage, we have complied with the common wishes of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and actively promoted the resumption of direct air flights across the Taiwan Strait. Currently, 14 cities in mainland China operate more than 500 passenger flights on cross-strait routes every week, transporting more than 80,000 passengers. Although cross-Strait flights and traffic volume have increased compared with those during the epidemic, cross-Strait travel in general is still inconvenient due to limited destinations. Taiwan compatriots and Taiwanese businessmen are eager to fully resume cross-Strait direct flights as soon as possible.

　　Chen Binhua also pointed out that we have been preparing for the full resumption of cross-strait routes. The DPP authorities should lift unreasonable restrictions on cross-strait air transportation as soon as possible to meet the travel needs of people on both sides of the strait, especially those in Taiwan.

　　Another reporter also asked: Taiwan may allow tour groups to visit the mainland on March 1. Will the mainland follow up and relax the freedom of travel for mainland tourists to Taiwan?

　　Chen Binhua said that regarding the issue of opening up cross-strait tourism, on May 19, 2023, the mainland tourism authorities announced the resumption of travel agencies to operate group tours for Taiwan residents to the mainland. As for mainland tourists traveling to Taiwan, everyone knows that the obstacle is not on the mainland's side.