December 15, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 16, 1429

BEIJING: Political rivals China and Taiwan will begin direct air, sea transport and postal services on Monday for the first time since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949.China has claimed sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan since 1949 and has vowed to bring the island under mainland rule, by force if necessary. But ties have improved since China-friendly President Ma Ying-jeou took office earlier this year.

Talks in June and November resulted in the transport and postal deals that are aimed at cutting costs for about 750,000 Taiwan investors in China and boosting the island by tying it to the faster growing Chinese economy.

Direct transport, postal services and trade were cut off after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

Under the direct air transport agreement, the two sides will launch a cargo charter flight service between two mainland terminals, Pudong in Shanghai and Guangzhou airports, and two Taiwan terminals, Taoyuan and Kaohsiung.

There will be 60 return cargo flights per month, evenly divided between mainland and Taiwan airline companies.

In addition, the two sides will launch regular passenger charter flights, which used to take place only on weekends and the four major traditional festivals.—Reuters