On April 22, 2026, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated the call for the full resumption of direct flights across the Taiwan Strait. The spokesperson emphasized that these air links serve as a crucial bridge for communication and exchange between people on both sides and should not be used as a political bargaining chip.
The statement follows the suspension of numerous direct passenger flights since 2020, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently over political disagreements. While some charter and cargo flights have operated, regular scheduled passenger services remain significantly reduced compared to pre-2020 levels.
Chinese authorities have consistently framed the restoration of direct flights as a practical measure to benefit people's livelihoods and enhance mutual understanding. They have urged the relevant authorities in Taiwan to remove obstacles and facilitate the complete normalization of cross-strait air travel.
The issue of direct flights remains a point of contention in cross-strait relations, intertwined with broader political tensions. The mainland's position is that such transportation links are integral to the peaceful development of relations, while some in Taiwan view them through a lens of sovereignty and security.
