Later, connections across the Straits became more frequent. However, due to limitations on the trade volume of commodities from the mainland to Taiwan, a trade imbalance developed. The cost of sea transportation was increased and thus profits were lowered, as freighters had to transfer through intermediary locations en route.

Direct sea transportation will bring a lot of benefits to shipping companies and business people. It will not only shorten the distance and time of transportation, but will also help normalize sea transportation and reduce costs.

The sea transportation structure of the Asian-Pacific area will also be changed. For example, Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan is an important transfer location, but couldn't be made full use of because of the shipping block with the mainland. Now that this has been lifted, the port is likely to grow in importance.

Long-awaited dream finally comes true

Lu Xiaoyan, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Compatriot Investment Enterprises Association

Direct links across the Straits are very exciting. When Lien Chan, former Chairman of the Kuomintang of Taiwan, came to the Chinese mainland, he said it took him 60 years to cross the Straits. Now we can also say that it took us 20 years to achieve a direct link across the Straits, so it is really a milestone in relations between Taiwan and the mainland.

For Taiwanese business people investing on the Chinese mainland, indirect links in the past years not only increased costs and lowered efficiency, but also caused a lot of difficulties. I have been to and fro between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland more than 10 times. As I had to transfer in Hong Kong and the plane might be delayed, I had to set off from Shanghai in the early morning, and even then, I could only arrive in Taiwan at dusk. Direct air links shorten the journey time to just 90 minutes. It is a big turning point for both sides of the Straits.

Direct air links also bring investment opportunities. For example, the headquarters of a company can be set up in Taiwan, but the operations of the business can be in Shanghai. The chairman of the board can come to Shanghai to attend a meeting and go back to Taiwan in the afternoon. For individual business people, they don't have to purchase houses and take their entire family to Shanghai. They can now live in Taiwan and just work in Shanghai during the week.

A peaceful and stable condition is what everybody expects. Direct links across the Straits can promote economic connections and strengthen stability on both sides of the Straits.

The History of Chartered Flights Across the Taiwan Straits

- Chartered flights across the Straits started in 2003 when Taiwanese business people on the Chinese mainland flew back to Taiwan for the Spring Festival. Due to limitations set by Taiwan authorities, flights had to transfer via Hong Kong or Macau and could only be one-way from Shanghai to Taiwan. In 2004, Taiwan authorities continued with these limitations and Spring Festival chartered flights were blocked.

- The year 2005 saw chartered flights for the Spring Festival resume. The flights were not required to stop at Hong Kong, but still had to fly over it. Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou were designated as departure cities on the mainland. It was the first time since 1949 that flights from the Chinese mainland could fly to Taiwan on a regular flight route.

- In 2006, the scope of passengers allowed to take chartered flights expanded from Taiwanese business people to all Taiwanese residents with valid certificates. Xiamen was included as another departure city on the mainland.

- Also in 2006, chartered flights were expanded beyond the Spring Festival to Tomb-Sweeping Day, the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

- On December 15, 2008, direct flights across the Straits were finally achieved.