The three largest airlines in the United States, American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines, are heeding China's demands and stopping referring to self-governing Taiwan as "non-Chinese territory" on their websites.

In this way, the companies want to escape sanctions from the superpower in the East.

China's demand that foreign companies, especially airlines, remove the designation has a deadline of July 25. A demand that is called "Orwellian nonsense" by the White House.

However, it is still unclear how China will punish companies that do not comply with the order, but a new clause in the regulations governing foreign airlines in China allows for permits to be changed or withdrawn.

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry is also sharply criticizing China's actions and accusing the country of using its political power to "unreasonably" interfere in the operations of private, international companies.

American Airlines spokesperson Shannon Gibbon confirmed that the airline has chosen to comply with China's demands.

”"Air travel is a global business and we comply with the regulations in place in the countries we operate in.".

Several airlines outside the US, including Germany's Lufthansa and Canada's Air Canada, have already implemented the required changes. A total of 36 airlines worldwide have been contacted by Chinese authorities.

By TT