Direct China-Taiwan flights begin

In what is being seen as a major initiative to improve relations, by Chinese and Taiwanese Governments, first regular and direct flight services have started operation from China to Taiwan. Commenting on the same, China’s official on Taiwan affairs said that ‘this was a new start’ in trying to improve relations between Beijing and Taipei.The move comes in the wake of improved relations since Taiwan’s new president, Ma Ying-jeou, came to power in May. The arrangements for direct flights, is a big step towards improving relations between strained nations.

The flights that will operate from Friday to Monday will connect five major cities of China and Taiwan.

The first China Southern Airlines flight, a part of this arrangement had 250 passengers aboard and was met with traditional water sprinkling ceremony.

China Southern Airlines, company chairman Liu Shaoyong, described the moment as ‘a sacred’ one, even as lion dancers and aboriginal singers welcomed passengers at the airports.

The new flight agreement is being touted as a drive that will prove to be a good deal for both the new Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, and the countries tourism. This brings in a ray of hope for a boost to Taiwan’s flagging economy.

Local businessmen are appreciative that this move is sure to bring in a good deal of business to the local market. In what is seen as a major achievement, the two sides have agreed to an increased number of Chinese tourists who can visit Taiwan. The number will rise to 3,000 per day from 18 of July.

Skeptical and more practical solutions were however offered by a group of those who believed that direct cargo flights, would have been a better idea to improve China-Taiwan relations.

These new chartered flights will take a round about route, through Hong Kong airspace; this is because Taiwan’s military is on constant alert for any kind of possible air attack from the mainland. This is also because civilian flights cannot be allowed to clutter cross-straits radars, says military sources.