Let cool heads and pragmatism prevail
The dispute that followed the Civil Aviation Authority of China reminding foreign airlines not to infer that Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are countries separate from China is an unnecessary provocation that only complicates already challenging relations
China lists Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan among its regions, so companies inferring that they are “countries” should abide by mainland law.
A reminder by the Civil Aviation Authority of China to 36 foreign airlines to amend their listings or face unspecified penalties therefore ought to have been a drama-free process.
But the tough stance towards Beijing taken by United States President Donald Trump’s administration has resulted in a politically charged atmosphere and a heated row has broken out. Cool heads and pragmatism should instead prevail.
A number of airlines were quick to comply, just as in January when the Cyberspace Authority of China (CAAC) pointed out a similar oversight on websites operated by firms including Marriott International and Zara.
With business interests in mind, common-sense changes were promptly made, among them adding a comma and the word “China” after the place name.
But with a trade dispute initiated by Trump under way, not all American carriers have been so cooperative this time.