The diversion happened to be during the historic agreement between China and Taiwan, where "direct" flights were allowed. Previously, travelers going from one place to the other had to fly to a third desitantion (typically Hong Kong,) deplane, and get on another flight, usually adding 3-4 hours to a trip that's typically only 100 miles. Now, for a window between January 29 and February 20, "direct" flights are allowed between the mainland and the island, provided that the plane flies through Hong Kong or Macau airspace. Hmmm... but we took off from Macau airspace. Why the jog over Hong Kong? I guess the pilot was being extra careful with this unscheduled flight.