As the international community prepares for the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly from 23 September to 3 October, one issue of pressing importance must not be ignored, the continued exclusion of Taiwan from ICAO.
This has been highlighted by the representative of Taiwan to Fiji Joseph Chow, who says civil aviation is inherently global as every hour, thousands of airplanes cross international borders, carrying passengers and goods across continents.
He says the safety, efficiency, and resilience of this system depend on seamless cooperation among all parties.
Chow says Taiwan, home to over 23 million people and positioned at a strategic crossroads of the Asia-Pacific, is an indispensable hub in the global aviation network.
He says yet, due to political obstruction from Beijing, Taiwan remains unjustly locked out of ICAO’s mechanisms.
Chow says Taiwan’s role in global aviation is anything but marginal as Taipei Taoyuan International Airport has long ranked among the busiest airports in the world, serving as a vital transit point linking North America, Europe, and Asia.
He says Taiwan’s airlines operate extensive routes across the globe, while millions of passengers transit through Taiwanese airspace annually.
The rep says Taiwan’s Flight Information Region (FIR) manages more than 1.8 million controlled flights each year, ensuring the safety of travelers from every continent.
He says however, despite this pivotal role, Taiwan’s civil aviation authorities and professionals are denied even observer status in ICAO.
Chow says this exclusion undermines both fairness and safety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s inability to directly engage with ICAO delayed the timely exchange of public health and travel information—demonstrating the real risks of political interference in technical cooperation.
He says today, with increasing tensions in regional airspace, excluding Taiwan continues to create dangerous blind spots in aviation safety.
The representative says ICAO’s stated mission is “to achieve the safe, secure, and sustainable development of civil aviation worldwide.”
He says this mission cannot be fulfilled if politics overrides professionalism and Taiwan’s participation in ICAO is not a political question; it is a practical necessity.
Chow stresses aviation safety transcends political boundaries, and ICAO’s commitment to inclusiveness must reflect that reality.
He says they are not asking for special treatment but seek only the opportunity to contribute its expertise, share responsibilities, and uphold its obligations within the international aviation community.
He says whether through observer status at the ICAO Assembly or direct technical engagement, Taiwan’s meaningful participation would strengthen the global aviation system and serve the interests of all passengers, airlines, and countries. He says ss the ICAO Assembly convenes this September, he calls upon governments, industry leaders, and citizens worldwide to speak up for fairness, professionalism, and safety.
He says a truly global civil aviation system must include all stakeholders.
Chow adds it is time for ICAO to allow Taiwan to take its rightful seat at the table—for the safety of skies that belong to us all.
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