The Chinese military exercises near Taiwan on Tuesday are having major consequences for aviation around the island. According to the Taiwanese Ministry of Transport, 857 flights are affected. This affects more than 100,000 passengers on international flights and approximately 6,000 on domestic flights.

The ministry says it condemns the Chinese "provocative actions" that are endangering aviation safety. Authorities are rerouting international flights away from dangerous areas or creating alternative routes to ensure safety, the ministry said. Dozens of domestic flights are being canceled. The precise consequences are not yet clear.

The Chinese military has been conducting exercises since Monday, including simulating blockades of ports and other areas in Taiwan. Taiwanese port authorities are urging ships to avoid the exercise sites. Live ammunition will be fired at certain locations between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a Chinese announcement. Chinese authorities are warning aircraft and vessels to stay away from these areas.

Taiwan said it saw 89 Chinese air force aircraft on Monday, the highest single-day number since October 2024, and 28 warships and coast guard boats. Taiwan said it held its largest-ever military exercises last July, under mounting pressure from China. Beijing has not ruled out the possibility of using force to seize Taiwan.

--- DB4 - 20230201
* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)