Civilian flights near Taiwan’s islands monitored for safety

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) stressed Tuesday (June 18) that the country has demanded China's civilian aircraft, which flew over Kinmen and Matsu (金門馬祖) the previous day, must not enter the terminal control areas of these islands under any circumstances. Both sides have reportedly reached a consensus on this issue.

Cho spoke to the media about the incident before his policy report and question session at the Legislative Yuan. He assured that Taiwan has a clear grasp of the situation in the airspace control zone and that the country's military will strictly identify, monitor, and respond to it.

Cho pointed out that the unique aspect of this incident was the weather. The Chinese air traffic control unit contacted Taiwan, hoping to avoid weather-related disruptions. Therefore, Taiwan was fully aware of the changes in the flight path.

In response to the incident, Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) explained Monday that adverse weather conditions were forming in the strait and along the coast of China due to the impact of a weather front.

The Chinese air traffic control unit contacted Taiwan's air traffic control unit, indicating that due to weather conditions, some aircraft might deviate from their course and fly over Kinmen and Matsu. Taiwan's air traffic control unit explicitly replied, "Do not enter the terminal control areas of Kinmen and Matsu."

During the afternoon, the CAA noted that several civilian aircraft flew over and near Kinmen and Matsu. However, they did not enter the terminal control areas under Taiwan's jurisdiction and did not affect Taiwan's civilian flights.

Taiwan's air traffic control unit will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of Taiwan's civilian flights. The relevant information has also been forwarded to Taiwan's military units.