United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Taiwan encourages citizens to boycott ‘One China’ airlines
Taiwan will back its own citizens to boycott airlines which cave in to China demands to list Taiwan as a Chinese territory.
Singapore Airlines and subsidiary Scoot are the latest to be criticised by Taiwan media for changing ‘Taiwan’ to ‘China Taiwan’ on their websites.
"We will tell our people: ‘those are the airlines that caved in to China, it is your choice (to use them)’ " David Lee, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council told the Financial Times.
Lee said legal action may be considered against airlines which label Taiwan as part of China, although that would be a complicated process likely taking years.
A boycott by its citizens would likely be more effective, Lee believes.
"It is a signal that we are fighting back, that we won’t just sit idle here," Lee added.
The US government has accused China of bullying in what it calls ‘Orwellian nonsense.’
That has had little effect so far as major carriers such as Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways and Emirates have changed their listings as China’s behest.
US airlines have mostly tried to steer clear of the geopolitical squabble.
They are understandably fearful of upsetting their own government or China, a market which is absolutely key to international growth.
Still, the issue does mark the first time Taiwan has pushed back against ‘China’s efforts to mischaracterise Taiwan’ giving out a message it cannot be pushed around quite so easily.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel