[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Amid evaluations that China has succumbed to U.S. pressure following its announcement to expand international flight operations, Chinese state media has drawn a clear line, stating that this decision is unrelated to politics.
On the 5th, the Chinese state-run Global Times editorial explained, "China's aviation authorities will allow more foreign airlines to operate one flight per week on China routes starting from the 8th, easing restrictions on international flights," adding, "Although U.S. airlines were previously unable to operate China routes, they now enjoy the same rights as other foreign carriers."
However, the paper expressed discomfort with foreign media assessments that interpret China's announcement on expanding international flights as a result of U.S.-China confrontation, where the U.S. pressured China into submission.
The newspaper stated, "Since this measure came after the U.S. warned on June 16 that it would completely ban Chinese airlines from flying to the U.S., it may appear as if China has conceded to the U.S.," but emphasized, "China's current expansion of international flights applies to all airlines," drawing a clear distinction.
It further explained, "U.S. airlines want to operate flights to China several times a day, but China will not accept this at the current stage." This highlights that China has not fully met U.S. demands nor announced eased international flight regulations due to U.S. pressure. The paper also added, "This measure by China's aviation authorities is about safety and responsibility, not politics."
Although China's aviation authorities did not directly mention the U.S. the previous day, Western media have evaluated the easing of flight restrictions on all foreign airlines operating China routes as "China's submission." Bloomberg reported, "Shortly after the U.S. warned of restrictions on Chinese airlines operating U.S. routes, China eased restrictions on foreign airlines," adding, "U.S. airlines now have the opportunity to operate China routes again after four months. While the timing may be coincidental, it is perceived as a concession by China."
The previous day, China's Civil Aviation Administration announced that foreign airlines not included in the existing international flight operation plans could select destinations within their operating permits and operate one international flight per week. Additionally, if the total number of passengers on flights to and from China tests negative for COVID-19 for three consecutive weeks, the number of flights can be increased from once a week to twice a week for all airlines.
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