US plans to block flights by Chinese airlines

The Trump administration threatened Wednesday to bar mainland Chinese airlines from flying to and from the US starting later this month, saying Beijing has failed to approve resumption of these routes by US carriers. The threat of a ban was the latest sign of souring US-China relations that are at their worst in more than three decades. Some US airlines have sought to resume service to China this month after suspending flying there earlier this year, as the coronavirus pandemic took hold. The US DOT, led by Secretary Elaine Chao, said Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Administration of China hasn’t approved requests by United and Delta to resume flights. The DOT accused China of violating an agreement that governs air travel between the two countries. The transportation agency said it would reconsider its planned ban, if Chinese regulators adjust their policies to allow US carriers to return. “Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights,” the DOT’s order said. “Should the CAAC adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order.”<br/>