For AI, Taiwan is Chinese Taipei

New Delhi: National carrier Air India has changed the name of Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website, following instructions from the government, an airline spokesperson said. China had raised concerns about Taiwan being described as a separate region by various airlines worldwide.

New Delhi, July 5: National carrier Air India has changed the name of Taiwan to Chinese Taipei on its website, following instructions from the government, an airline spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Air India followed the procedure as advised by the Ministry of External Affairs in updating the airline's website with respect to changing name of Taiwan.

Air India operates flights to two destinations in China region — Shanghai and Hong Kong. While Air India does not have flights to Chinese Taipei, it has a code share with Air China. This is the reason that this destination is listed on Air India website.

Now, Air India describes Taiwan as ' Taipei, Taoyuan International Airport, TPE, Chinese Taipei' on its website.

China welcomed Air India's decision to change Taiwan's name to Chinese Taipei on its website and asserted that foreign companies operating in the country must obey China's law and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

China views Taiwan, an island which has been independent since 1950, as a rebel region that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary.