Chinese official calls for talks on permanent charter flights with Taiwan

A senior mainland official has called for talks on permanent, direct air links between China and Taiwan.

Taiwan banned direct air and sea travel with China after the two sides separated in 1949 amid civil war. However, six Taiwanese carriers have been granted permission to operate indirect charter flights to Shanghai, China for the Lunar New Year. The airlines are scheduled to operate the flights between 26 January and 10 February 2003. The flights must land in either Hong Kong or Macau before arriving in China.

Vice Premier Qian Qichen is now calling for Taiwan to go further and allow direct flights, according to The Associated Press.