Pakistan carries the One China policy into its airspace, Lowy writer argues

Writing in the Lowy Institute's The Interpreter on 6 November, Sana Hashmi of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation examines reports that in October Pakistan barred two Taiwanese airlines, China Airlines and EVA Air, from transiting its airspace. Pakistan's defence minister, Khawaja Asif, said the civil aviation authority followed the One China policy and that only mainland China was permitted. The One China policy means diplomatic recognition of Beijing's position that Taiwan is part of its territory.

The ban was soon lifted without explanation, and both carriers were granted transit rights until 27 March 2027; what happens after that is unclear. Hashmi stresses that China itself imposes no such restriction on Taiwanese commercial aircraft. Ties between Pakistan and Taiwan are already thin: just over 900 Pakistanis live in Taiwan, and there are neither representative offices nor direct flights. In April 2026 Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar also withdrew overflight permits granted for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's trip to Eswatini.

The author weighs two explanations: a request from Beijing, or Pakistan acting on its own to demonstrate loyalty to Beijing while it moves closer to the US. Hashmi notes that Pakistani airspace is useful for Taiwan's flights to the Middle East and Europe. A ban renewed after March 2027 would lengthen routes and raise costs, but its lasting effect on Taiwan would be limited. The real concern is precedent. Because Taiwan is not represented at ICAO, the UN's civil aviation body, aviation becomes a pressure point that China can exploit through its other partners.