China Eastern and Xiamen Airlines have been forced to abandon flights between China and Taiwan after Taipei authorities refused to allow access, threatening to leave 176 of Lunar New Year holiday makers stranded on the island. The move is seen as a retaliation by Taipei after China opened up disputed new air routes that fly close to Taiwan territory. China argues it doesn't need Taiwan's approval to open the routes because it views the island state as a breakaway province.
China Eastern and Xiamen Airlines have been forced to abandon flights between China and Taiwan after Taipei authorities refused to allow access, threatening to leave tens of thousands of Lunar New Year holiday makers stranded on the island. The move is seen as a retaliation by Taipei after China opened up disputed new air routes that fly close to Taiwan territory. China argues it doesn't need Taiwan's approval to open the routes because it views the island state as a breakaway province.