AP, ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANEPope Francis yesterday managed an airborne diplomatic dance by sending telegrams of greetings to the leaders of Taiwan, China and Hong Kong as he flew through their airspace on his way from Thailand to Japan. The first greeting went out to Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) as Francis’ charter flight flew near Hainan Island. “I send cordial greetings to your excellency as I fly over China on my way to Japan,” Francis wrote. “I assure you of my prayers for the nation and its people, invoking upon all of you abundant blessings of peace and joy.”Francis followed up with a telegram to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (林鄭月娥). “As I fly over your territory I extend my best wishes to your excellency and your fellow citizens,” he wrote.

Source: Taipei Times November 23, 2019 15:56 UTC