From 1 November to 7 December 1944, 54 countries held an international conference on civil aviation in Chicago, USA, signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation, and decided to establish a transitional temporary international civil aviation organization. On 4 April 1947, the Chicago Convention came into effect and the International Civil Aviation Organization was formally established. On 13 May, it became a specialized agency of the UN, and was known as ICAO. Chinawas one of the founding members of the Convention on International Civil Aviation following the signing of the Convention by the Kuomintang government in 1944 and having become its full-fledged member in 1946. In 1971, the ICAO passed a resolution recognizing the People's Republic of Chinaas the sole legitimate representative of China. In February 15, 1974, Chinarecognized the Convention and began getting formally involved in its activities. Since that time, Chinahas been a Council member of that organization. And Chinahas a permanent representative office in the ICAO Montreal-based headquarters.

In 2002, Chinaplayed an active role in ICAO activities. Its relation with the ICAO witnessed further development.

From 19-20 February, the ICAO held a ministerial meeting on navigation safety in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Liu Jianfeng, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China attended the meeting. The meeting discussed such issues as the 9/11 impact on the aviation industry and consumers, increased ICAO navigation security action plan, aviation navigation security audit plan and the financial and human resources implications resulting from action plan for increased security, and adopted a declaration committing its members to follow through all international conventions regarding navigation security, international standards and proposed measures as well as relevant ICAO resolutions. The Chinese delegate briefed the participants on its intensive security measures, appealed for closer international cooperation in this regard and measures conducive to the safe and sound development of air transportation.

From December 4-6, the CAAC hosted a seminar in Yunnan on the international navigation security. Delegates from over 20 countries, areas and international organizations were represented. They made extensive contacts, dwelt in-depth on international cooperation and the need to pay more attention to the preventive measures, crack down on terrorist activities targeted on the aviation safety and illegal jamming, share information and boost scientific research. And they reached consensus.