Geopolitics
Governance/Geopolitics
Air India changes Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website, TECC regrets move

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 06 Jul 2018, 07:22 am Print

Air India changes Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website, TECC regrets move

Taipei: In a stern statement, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) has said that India has been arm-twisted into submission by neighbour China, after the former's state-owned airline, Air India, changed Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website.

The move "can be seen as a gesture of succumbing to the unreasonable and absurd pressure from China", it said.

TECC Representative Ambassador Chung Kwang Tien has urged Air India to restore Taiwan's name as soon as possible and take a stand 'against the unreasonable demand from the government of People’s Republic of China'.

Tien said that he hopes that the Indian government will be able to fend off bullies and defend 'its public services and private businesses' from giving in to such demands.

The TECC has also lodged a formal note concerning against the change to India's Ministry of External Affairs, and is currently awaiting an official response from the latter.

"If such politically motivated bully actions are let prevail, people’s freedom in doing business and in their expression of opinion may be undermined; therefore, free and democratic nations should work together to protect their common values and interests," the statement quoted Tien as saying.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan and asserted the Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) is no longer in legitimate existence. Moreover, China also does not keep diplomatic relation with countries which recognises Taiwan.

 

Image: Air India Facebook page