Chairman Mike Gallagher and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have urged Secretary Antony Blinken and Secretary Pete Buttigieg to exercise caution when considering new flights between the United States and China. In a letter addressed to the officials, the lawmakers highlighted concerns regarding unfair market practices and security issues.
The lawmakers expressed their concerns about the PRC's failure to adhere to existing bilateral aviation agreements, stating that the PRC has discriminated against U.S. aviation in the past. They emphasized the negative impact of COVID-19 on passenger air services and criticized the PRC for unilaterally suspending the bilateral air services agreement with the U.S., effectively limiting market access for U.S. carriers. The letter emphasized the need to protect U.S. aviation workers, travelers, and airlines from unfair competition from China.
Furthermore, the lawmakers raised alarm over PRC airlines flying through Russian airspace, posing security risks to passengers and providing economic advantages to Chinese carriers. They noted that while U.S. carriers ceased flying through Russian airspace during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chinese airlines continued to do so, gaining a competitive advantage that should be addressed in bilateral negotiations.
In conclusion, the lawmakers stressed the importance of addressing significant issues before expanding the U.S.-China passenger carrier market to prevent negative consequences for U.S. aviation workers, travelers, and airlines. They called for leveraging negotiations with China to ensure safety, operational integrity, and passenger demand are prioritized in any new flight agreements.
The letter from Gallagher and Krishnamoorthi underscores the need for caution and thorough consideration in approving new flights between the U.S. and China, highlighting the importance of protecting the interests and safety of all stakeholders involved.
