China Airlines (CAL) is not a private airline in the traditional sense; it is the state-owned flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan). While it is a publicly listed company on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, the majority of its shares are held by the China Aviation Development Foundation, which is an entity entirely controlled by the Taiwanese government. This structure ensures that the government maintains strategic oversight of the airline's operations and international routes. It is often confused with "Air China," which is the state-owned carrier of the People's Republic of China (Mainland China). In 2026, China Airlines remains one of Taiwan's three major carriers, alongside the privately-owned EVA Air and Starlux Airlines. Despite its government ties, China Airlines operates as a commercial entity within the Star Alliance network, maintaining a modern fleet and competing globally for both passenger and cargo traffic while serving as a vital diplomatic and economic link for the island of Taiwan.