CNA-Chinese Launch on 16 Apr Confirmed As Weather Satellite

MNI (London) - Taiwan's Central News Agency has confirmed that the reason for the planned imposition of a no-fly zone and the lengthier imposition of a navigation warning over a region to the north of Taiwan on 16 April is the launch of a Chinese weather satellite. When the no-fly zone was first announced by Chinese authorities there was speculation that it could be related to the sizeable naval exercises undertaken by Chinese forces over the weekend. These saw the Chinese military engage in mock blockades of Taiwan and precision strikes on Taiwanese targets.

• Nevertheless, the restrictions have sparked a reaction in Taiwan and among its allies. The area to the north of Taiwan under the warnings are heavily used for both air travel and freight shipping. Meanwhile the timing coincides with the start of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting taking place in Japan, with the potential for attendees flights needing to be diverted due to the restrictions.