An existing aviation agreement between Taiwan and Hong Kong will be extended again for six months as the authorities play for time to hammer out a formal deal, it was reported yesterday.
Authorities from both sides would complete the paperwork today to extend the accord from the end of the month when it expires, a local Chinese-language paper said.
The move comes as the two sides have failed to reach a consensus on renewing the air pact amid a lingering cross-strait stalemate and a lack of agreement among the airlines flying a "golden route."
The five-year aviation accord was forged in June 1996 and carried over in 1997 when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule.
The two sides have been unable to agree on renewing the accord, prompting authorities to extend the agreement until Monday.
Taipei had insisted on official negotiations to seal a new deal, but Beijing refused to authorize the Hong Kong administration to hold discussions with the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the paper said.
It was the first time the MAC had tried to play a role in the air talks.
The paper said Beijing has agreed to the six-month extension to play for more time amid the changes on Taiwan's political scene following the Dec. 1 legislative elections.
Four airlines currently operate more than 80 percent of the flights between Taiwan and Hong Kong -- China Airlines and EVA Airways from Taiwan, and Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways and Dragon Airlines.
These four airlines had hoped to expand their services on the profitable flight routes between Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
Those routes carry about 4 million passengers annually amid growing Taiwan-China civil exchanges via Hong Kong.
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