Taipei: The United States allowed a Taiwan military plane to transit its territory for the first time in 30 years, giving the go-ahead without first consulting China, officials and media said on Thursday.
The cargo plane made a stop inside US territory while carrying relief supplies to quake-ravaged Haiti, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy.
"The United States approved Taiwan`s request for a cargo plane to land and refuel in US territory in order to reach Haiti as soon as possible," Christopher Kavanagh, an official
at the institute, said.
When asked if Washington had discussed the sensitive issue with Beijing prior to giving the green light, Kavanagh said, "There is no need" as the approval was granted on humanitarian grounds.
In reaction to the plane transit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said: "...we oppose any government, including the United States, from having any official contact with Taiwan."
China, which sees Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification, usually reacts with anger at military and other official contacts between the island and any country, especially the United States.
The Taipei-based United Daily News identified the aircraft as a C-130 transport plane from the island`s air force and said the stop was for refuelling.
PTI
