"Our overriding goal is not the perpetuation of this situation, but rather an improved environment wherein the carriers of both parties will be able to exercise fully their bilateral rights," the U.S. Department of Transportation said in its order Wednesday, according to CNBC. "Should the [Chinese aviation authority] adjust its policies to bring about the necessary improved situation for U.S. carriers, the Department is fully prepared to revisit the action it has announced in this order."
The restrictions are slated to take effect June 16, Reuters noted, citing three U.S. and airline officials briefed on the matter. It added, however, that they could be implemented earlier.
The administration in late May had accused Beijing of making it all but impossible for U.S. airline service to China to resume and ordered four Chinese carriers to file their flight schedules with Washington, according to Reuters.