Delta apologizes to China for listing Taiwan, Tibet as countries

Delta Air Lines is apologizing after China's aviation authority reportedly criticized the company for listing Taiwan and Tibet as countries on its website.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China asked Atlanta-based Delta to investigate the listing of Taiwan and Tibet as countries on its website, and called for an "immediate and public" apology. Reuters reported Friday.

The airline subsequently issued a statement saying: “Delta recognizes the seriousness of this issue and we took immediate steps to resolve it. It was an inadvertent error with no business or political intention, and we apologize deeply for the mistake. As one of our most important markets, we are fully committed to China and to our Chinese customers.”

China, one of the largest economies in the world, is a key market for Delta's future growth. Delta has a strategic partnership with China Eastern and is counting on expansion in China to help boost its international expansion.

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Read more stories about Delta and its interests in China and connections with China Eastern here:

Delta plans to relaunch Atlanta-Shanghai flights

China Eastern to join Delta's SkyTeam alliance

Delta spending $437M for a piece of Air France Delta came under fire from China for listing Taiwan and Tibet as countries on its website.

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