Flight‑tracking data shows that after Pakistan’s temporary ban, China Airlines and EVA Air rerouted their Europe‑bound flights over either the Gulf of Oman or the Russian western corridor, avoiding Pakistani airspace.
Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming‑chi told AFP that the ban was orchestrated by China, adding, “We condemn Pakistan and if China is behind this, it is a bad practice to use its leverage over Global South countries.”
China’s claim that Taiwan is part of its territory has fueled diplomatic tensions, and the ban followed a series of overflight revocations in April that forced President Lai Ching‑te to postpone a trip to Eswatini.
Pakistan and China describe their partnership as an “all‑weather friendship,” with China as Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major investor through the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has seen tens of billions of dollars poured into infrastructure projects.
Taiwan has appealed to other like‑minded Global South nations for support, warning that the practice could spread to other countries, a concern echoed by officials in the region.
The incident marks the first time a country has closed its airspace to Taiwanese commercial flights, raising alarms that similar tactics could be employed elsewhere.