Beijing is slamming Taiwan authorities for not approving more flights during the upcoming Spring Festival. The Taiwan Affairs Office says the decision runs contrary to the people's wills.  

MA XIAOGUANG CHINA'S TAIWAN AFFAIRS OFFICE SPOKESPERSON "The Taiwan authorities have sacrificed the people and businesspeople in Taiwan as hostage in order to retaliate against mainland airlines, seriously affects people on both sides of the Strait, especially Taiwanese people's right to go back for the spring festival. It seriously lets down the needs of numerous tourists, as well as the tens of thousands of families, it is extremely stupid and unpopular."

Earlier this month, the Chinese mainland opened several new air routes, including a northbound path up the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan authorities say it was done without its agreement and has since withheld approval to add flights for the Lunar New Year. 50-thousand people will be affected -most are from Taiwan. The Taiwan Affairs Office says the Chinese mainland will try to help them return home.