Taiwan to hit back at airlines that say island belongs to China

Taiwan is looking at ways to hit back at foreign airlines that recently caved in to pressure from Beijing to refer to the island as part of China. The transportation ministry is studying countermeasures, according to an official who asked not to be identified. Taipei-based United Daily News reported earlier Monday the measures could include banning offending airlines from using boarding bridges and changing take-off and landing slots. Authorities are also considering offering incentives for carriers that switch to a more neutral wording for Taiwan, such as reducing or eliminating landing fees and facility charges. Retaliation from Taipei would be its first official response to increasing pressure from the mainland. Beijing has successfully pressured 44 international airlines to refer to Taiwan as a part of China on their websites. <br/>