Source: Republic of China Taiwan
MOFA sincerely thanks US Senator Cruz for publicly supporting Taiwan’s participation in ICAO
Date：2025-09-18
Data Source：Department of International Organizations
September 18, 2025
No. 346
Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, recently sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. In it, he asserted that the United States should lead the world in urging the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to “allow Taiwan to participate with the full privileges of a Member State.” The letter was also forwarded to ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation to Senator Cruz for continuing to steadfastly support Taiwan’s international participation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that the Taipei Flight Information Region, which is under Taiwan’s jurisdiction, is an important air transport hub in the Indo-Pacific that handles over one million flights and ensures the safety of tens of millions of passengers each year. According to Airports Council International’s 2024 rankings of the world’s busiest airports, published in July, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport placed 13th for international passenger volume and 10th for air cargo volume out of more than 2,800 airports in over 185 countries. Given Taiwan’s critical position in global air transport, it is essential that Taiwan participate in ICAO meetings, mechanisms, and activities, as well as being granted access to ICAO databases.
However, due to obstruction by China, ICAO continues to deny Taiwan participation, preventing Taiwan from obtaining the most up-to-date civil aviation information in a timely manner and posing risks to global aviation safety. Furthermore, China, disregarding relevant regulations and refusing to hold prior consultations with Taiwan, unilaterally announced changes to flight route M503 and activated routes W121, W122, and W123. ICAO has failed to propose appropriate responses, seriously impacting aviation safety, peace, and stability in the region. With regard to this, MOFA expresses strong dissatisfaction.
MOFA emphasizes that global civil aviation today faces numerous challenges and that ICAO should not leave anyone out. Only through the joint participation of all stakeholders, including Taiwan, can the world properly respond to these issues and sooner realize ICAO’s objectives of safer skies and a more sustainable future. (E)