China has rejected an attempt at compromise over the thorny Taiwan issue by the three U.S. legacy carriers.
Earlier this week, I wrote that U.S. airlines agreed to Chinese demands that Taiwan not be listed as an independent nation (Hong Kong and Macau too).
American, Delta, and United now refer to Taipei without a country after it. Korean Air took a similar approach and “got away with it” so U.S. airlines thought they could too. During an investor conference call, American Airlines’ CEO Doug Parker stated, “We complied within the deadline with what we thought was a nice solution for everyone.” But that’s not good enough for China, which now wants Taiwan listed as Taiwan, China.
While noting some changes, the Civil Aviation Administration of China added:
Rectification of the content still is incomplete.
The threat for non-compliance is real, even if China is China is using bully-tactics to have its way. To punish the island nation of Palau for having diplomatic relations with Taiwan, China ordered travel agencies to stop booking trips to Palau. As a result, tourism has plummeted and Palau Pacific Airways just went under.
CONCLUSION
I’m not going to simplify the Taiwan debate here to a few sentences. This is not the place. But I’m not surprised China was unamused by the attempted compromise by U.S. carriers. Now let’s see if U.S. airlines kowtow further to Chinese demands.
> Read More Coverage Of This Controversy:
U.S. Airlines Will Kowtow To China On Taiwan
China Won’t Discuss Taiwan Issue With U.S. Airlines, Blames Trump
U.S. Airlines Brashly Defy China: Consequences Coming?
China Threatens U.S. Airlines
China punishes any company for not complying with its laws the same reason the US bans companies (ZTE) doing business with Iran. The difference is that the One China Policy is recognized by almost every country (including the US government), but the Iran deal was unilaterally rejected by the US, although the same agreement was signed by the US and are still endorsed by the UN council.
See the double standard and hypocrisy?
Or the similarity is that the US is not trustworthy and always unable to keep its own promises (One China Policy, Iran deal etc).
It’s important to note that the US government’s official position is that it acknowledges the existence of the CCP’s ‘One-China’ policy but does NOT specifically endorse that position.
It wouldn’t be relevant to compare this news with the Iran deal because the circumstances are very different.
The US should require that all airlines in the People’s Republic of China list Shanghai as Shanghai, USA or they will be punished. Only Trump could do that. No other president, Obama or Bush, who do something that shocking.
Seriously, the airlines should, as a further compromise, eliminate all countries. It would then have a supplemental webpage with countries and disclaimers.
For example, Atlanta, GA (ATL), London (LHR), Taipei (TPE), Shanghai (PVG). Then there would be a country page with disclaimers.
“Listing of a country does not denote recognition by the airline. Only the national / federal government decide on official recognition”
Atlanta, GA, USA (ATL)
Taipei, Taiwan, China (disputed Republic of China versus People’s Republic of China, see above disclaimer)
Shanghai, China (disputed People’s Republic of China versus Republic of China)
This solution would probably be challenged by Red China. The next compromise would be no countries but if you didn’t know what country Atlanta or Taipei was, you could click and see a world map (with no national border). Lufthansa and many other airlines long ago had world maps in their airline magazine with no borders.
The US should demand that Red China put on its website maps all areas claimed by the US. For example, the sea border north of Alaska, Yukon is disputed.
J’s comment is hypocricy. The One China policy is not voluntary. It is forced upon the world and forced upon America by the hegemony of the illegal Red China government.
The listing of Taipei (TPE) with no country is neutral. It’s not like Delta says “Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China” or, Marx and Lenin and Mao rolling in their grave, Shanghai, Republic of China.
Taiwan recognizes one China policy too. It was in UN and they still recognize one China policy even to this date.
Alan, the Republic of China’s ‘One-China’ policy is different than the CCP’s version in both its language and intent.
US published north Korea by making usa passport not valid for travel to North Korea.
China can still learn from usa.
well, airlines do not have to fly to mainland china and making profit. they can fly direct to taipei and many small cities in taiwan. stick to what you believe and put into action. thats better than making money.
It is even worse. AA has given Los Angeles and San Francisco to China.
The drop down boxes now say “LAX – Los Angeles International, CA”, No, it is in the USA. “LAX – Los Angeles Internation, USA”
Matthew you are a lifesaver! I’ve been meaning to go to Palau for forever but had read horror stories of the place being run over with Chinese tourists. I will now start planning a trip there and do my bit to help prop up their economy.