TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan will send a delegation to the 42nd International Civil Aviation Organization assembly later this month to garner support for its participation, Deputy Foreign Minister Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) said on Tuesday.

Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration Director-General Ho Shu-ping (何淑萍) will lead the team to Montreal to convey Taiwan’s appeals to ICAO members and carry out local campaigns highlighting the importance of its inclusion in the global aviation body, Ger said at a press conference.

Ho will also send a letter to ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano stressing that including Taiwan aligns with its goal of achieving a seamless sky and would demonstrate its leadership in global civil aviation development and governance, CNA reported.

Ger criticized Beijing’s unilateral decision to alter the M503 flight route and activate other flight routes without consulting Taiwan. He also decried China’s sudden announcement of military live-fire drills off the coast of Kaohsiung and Pingtung.

China portrays itself as a defender of “multilateralism” and “regional peace,” but ignores international norms, he said.

Deputy Minister of Transportation Lin Kuo-hsien (林國顯) emphasized that the Taipei Flight Information Region plays a critical role in maintaining regional aviation safety. Taiwan’s participation in ICAO would make regional cooperation more complete, Lin said.

The ICAO assembly will take place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 3.