China Condemns US Plan to Restrict Chinese Airlines’ Use of Russian Airspace
China has strongly criticized the United States for its proposed plan to ban Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace on routes connecting to and from America. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned that such restrictions would harm American companies and urged Washington to consider the broader impacts of its policy.
According to a report by Reuters, the Trump administration has threatened to ban Chinese carriers from using Russian airspace, arguing that it provides an unfair competitive advantage. The US Transportation Department claims that this practice allows Chinese airlines to cut travel times, reduce fuel costs, and gain an edge over American counterparts. However, the Chinese government has warned that this move would ultimately hurt American businesses, urging the US to reconsider its stance.
Russian airspace is essential for flights between Asia and Europe, as it provides the shortest routes and minimizes flight times. In 2022, Moscow suspended access to many Western carriers following Western sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, but Chinese airlines continue to operate without restrictions. The Trump administration has reportedly called this situation “unfair”, noting that it has caused “substantial adverse competitive effects on US air carriers.”
The proposal coincides with escalating tensions between the United States and China. Although a trade war earlier this year ended with a tentative agreement, Trump has threatened new tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing’s “extraordinarily aggressive” trade policies. This follows China’s tightening of export controls on rare-earth minerals, which are critical for US high-tech and defense industries.
Moscow has indicated that US-Russia air travel could resume by late 2025. The issue has been discussed during US mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, and in August, Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Darchiev confirmed that the process of restoring flights between the two countries was already underway. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry remains critical of the US proposal, emphasizing the potential negative impact on American businesses and global travel.