Chinese mainland urges DPP authorities to remove barriers to normal direct cross-Strait flights

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities should remove their unreasonable barriers to normal direct flights across the Taiwan Strait to meet the needs of travel of people on both sides, Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday in Beijing.

"Currently, due to the obstruction and interference by the DPP authorities, cross-Strait air routes, airports, and flights have yet to fully return to normal. About 300 passenger flights currently operate between 15 mainland airports in 14 cities and Taiwan each week, which represents a significant drop compared to the pre-2020 figures of 61 airports and a peak of 890 weekly passenger flights in the mainland," Zhu said at a press conference.

The spokeswoman urged the DPP authorities to respond to the strong call on the island to fully resume cross-Strait flights.

"The obstacle to the full resumption of cross-Strait direct air flight destinations lies with the DPP authorities. We hope that the Taiwan side can meet the aspirations of its public, promptly remove unreasonable restrictions on cross-Strait air transport, and allow airlines on both sides to independently arrange flight schedules according to market demand," Zhu said.

Chinese mainland urges DPP authorities to remove barriers to normal direct cross-Strait flights

French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday, described the situation in Gaza as a spectacle that "shames us all", stressing that the so-called peace in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave has not led to the opening of even a single humanitarian corridor there.

In his speech at the 81st session of the UNGA, Macron questioned what would become of the international community's credibility if it continued to remain inactive on Gaza, and rejected claims that peace had already been achieved there.

"But what is our credibility worth if we remain inactive on Gaza? Some boast about a so-called peace, but this peace has not opened a single humanitarian corridor, not even for a second. Do we have to stand by and watch this spectacle that makes us all ashamed? Never!" said Macron.

The French president also drew attention to the situation in the West Bank, noting that violations are taking place there every day. He pointed out that Hamas has never operated in the West Bank.

Macron warned that these day-after-day practices are making it increasingly difficult to achieve the goal of respecting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to their right to exist.  

Macron calls Gaza situation shameful, urges action at UNGA session