Legislators yesterday urged the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to address the issue of the fifth freedom of the air for cross-strait flights in negotiations with China over an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA).
The fifth freedom of the air would allow Taiwanese carriers to fly on to other nations after arriving at airports in China, and vice versa.
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislators Yang Li-huan (楊麗環) and Chu Fong-chi (朱鳳芝) suggested that the ministry take the opportunity presented by ECFA talks to discuss the matter.
Chu said Taiwan and China had failed to reach a consensus on the fifth freedom at previous cross-strait talks because if China agrees to the fifth freedom, it could risk Chinese carriers losing some customers to their Taiwanese counterparts.
MOTC Deputy Minister Yeh Kuang-shih (葉匡時) said the ministry could make policy suggestions to the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and recommend that it list the issue on the agenda for talks with Chinese officials if “it is in the best interest of Taiwan.”
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Yeh Yi-jin (葉宜津), on the other hand, said that the ministry should work to gain observer status for Taiwan in the UN International Civil Aviation Organization.
The proposals were put forward at a meeting of the legislature’s Transportation Committee to review the Civil Aeronautics Administration’s (CAA) budget for the 2010 fiscal year.
Aside from the matter of cross-strait flights, some legislators also criticized the CAA for what they said was a lackluster performance by Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
A report by Airports Council International (ACI) ranked the airport 18th in the Asia-Pacific region last year in terms of flight passenger volume, down from 14th in 2007.
Lawmakers said there were shortcomings in the airport’s infrastructure. They also suggested that the MOTC dismiss flight control personnel at airports that have relatively low usage rates.
DPP Legislator Kuo Wen-chen (郭玟成) said some airports, such as Pingtung’s, have a usage rate of about 1 percent since the launch of the high-speed rail.
Yeh Kuang-shih said the ministry would review the operations of all airports nationwide.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
Scoot announced yesterday that starting in October, it would increase flights between Taipei and Japan’s Narita airport and Hokkaido, and between Singapore and Taipei. The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also said it would launch flights to Chiang Rai in Thailand, Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda airport between December and March next year. Flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai would begin on Jan. 1, with five flights per week operated by an Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot said. Flights between Singapore and Okinawa would begin on Dec. 15, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline said. Services between Singapore
A fourth public debate was held today about restarting the recently decommissioned Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a referendum on the controversial issue to be held in less than two weeks. A referendum on Aug. 23 is to ask voters if they agree that “the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns.” Anyone over 18 years of age can vote in the referendum. The vote comes just three months after its final reactor shut down, officially making Taiwan nuclear-free. Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) represented
RSS