This is bad for Taiwan's international standing but shows Taipei pushing back hard against pressure from China's allies.

• Pakistan's defense minister said airspace use would follow a "One China" policy, briefly suggesting only Chinese airlines could fly over Pakistan.
• Hours later, documents showed Pakistan's aviation authority had actually approved China Airlines and EVA Air to use its airspace through next spring.
• Taiwan's premier said the government will fully defend its aviation sovereignty and asked other countries not to interfere with or damage international flight safety.
• Taiwan's foreign ministry strongly condemned Pakistan for following China's lead, accusing it of turning airspace into a political weapon and reaffirming that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other.

Outlook: Expect continued friction as China pressures other countries to limit Taiwan's international space, with Taiwan likely to keep publicly contesting each case.