China Expands Controversial M503 Flight Route Amid Rising Tensions with Taiwan

News Snapshot:

China's civil aviation authority announced the opening of a third extension to the M503 flight route, sparking fresh protests from Taipei. Located just west of the unofficial Taiwan Strait dividing line, the route has long been a point of contention between the two governments. Last year, China repositioned the M503 route closer to the median line, angering Taipei, which accused Beijing of using civil aviation for political or military objectives. The latest extension comes ahead of Taiwan's Han Kuang military drills, designed to simulate a Chinese blockade. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of China, the new W121 extension aims...