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Version 4 Version 5
Direct China-Taiwan flights begin Direct China-Taiwan flights begin
(about 1 hour later)
The first regular direct flight from mainland China to Taiwan for nearly 60 years has landed at Taipei's airport.The first regular direct flight from mainland China to Taiwan for nearly 60 years has landed at Taipei's airport.
Since the two sides split in civil war in 1949, travellers have had to fly via a third destination - apart from a few special flights during major holidays.Since the two sides split in civil war in 1949, travellers have had to fly via a third destination - apart from a few special flights during major holidays.
The flight from Guangzhou marks the beginning of regular non-stop direct flights between a number of cities.The flight from Guangzhou marks the beginning of regular non-stop direct flights between a number of cities.
China's top official on Taiwan, Wang Yi, said it signalled "a new start" in exchanges between the two sides.China's top official on Taiwan, Wang Yi, said it signalled "a new start" in exchanges between the two sides.
The agreements on flights, signed last month, is seen as a big step towards improved cross-strait relations.The agreements on flights, signed last month, is seen as a big step towards improved cross-strait relations.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have warmed significantly since Taiwan's new President, Ma Ying-jeou, took office in May.Ties between Taipei and Beijing have warmed significantly since Taiwan's new President, Ma Ying-jeou, took office in May.
He advocates stronger economic ties with China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has threatened force if it moves towards formal independence.He advocates stronger economic ties with China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has threatened force if it moves towards formal independence.
'One family''One family'
The new flights, which will take place from Friday to Monday only, will connect five major cities in China with eight airports in Taiwan.The new flights, which will take place from Friday to Monday only, will connect five major cities in China with eight airports in Taiwan.
TAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS Ruled by separate governments since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 China considers the island part of its territoryChina has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong KongMost people in Taiwan support status quo href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/asia_pac/04/taiwan_flashpoint/html/introduction.stm">Taiwan flashpoint href="/1/hi/in_pictures/7489066.stm"> In pictures: First day of flights
The China Southern Airlines flight, from the southern city of Guangzhou, was the first of 36 cross-strait flights to be launched this weekend.The China Southern Airlines flight, from the southern city of Guangzhou, was the first of 36 cross-strait flights to be launched this weekend.
It carried around 250 passengers, including 100 tourists from the mainland, and was met with a traditional lion dance and a water sprinkling ceremony.It carried around 250 passengers, including 100 tourists from the mainland, and was met with a traditional lion dance and a water sprinkling ceremony.
Company chairman Liu Shaoyong flew the plane over.Company chairman Liu Shaoyong flew the plane over.
"This is a sacred moment. The two sides of the strait are like members in one family," he told journalists in Taipei."This is a sacred moment. The two sides of the strait are like members in one family," he told journalists in Taipei.
At the same time as the China Southern flight was travelling to Taipei, a Taiwan-based China Airlines flight with Taiwanese tourists was making its way to Shanghai.At the same time as the China Southern flight was travelling to Taipei, a Taiwan-based China Airlines flight with Taiwanese tourists was making its way to Shanghai.
Tourism boostTourism boost
The first arrivals in Taiwan included some of the 600 Chinese tourists travelling on week-long package trips. Taiwan hopes the influx of tourists will boost the economy The first arrivals in Taiwan included some of the 600 Chinese tourists travelling on week-long package trips.
TAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS Ruled by separate governments since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 China considers the island part of its territoryChina has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong KongMost people in Taiwan support status quo Taiwan flashpoint
They are all being given the red carpet treatment, with special receptions, dinners and entertainment programmes.They are all being given the red carpet treatment, with special receptions, dinners and entertainment programmes.
Their numbers are expected to rapidly increase because - alongside the deal on flights - the two sides have also agreed that the number of mainland tourists allowed to visit Taiwan will rise to 3,000 per day from 18 July.Their numbers are expected to rapidly increase because - alongside the deal on flights - the two sides have also agreed that the number of mainland tourists allowed to visit Taiwan will rise to 3,000 per day from 18 July.
Local businesses are predicting the new arrivals will provide a much-needed economic boost and the government is hoping the direct weekend flights will soon become daily.Local businesses are predicting the new arrivals will provide a much-needed economic boost and the government is hoping the direct weekend flights will soon become daily.
Many Taiwanese are excited by the expected influx of Chinese tourists, says the BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei.Many Taiwanese are excited by the expected influx of Chinese tourists, says the BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei.
But others are more wary - citing concerns about rude behaviour, cheap spending habits and the potential for political disputes, our correspondent says.But others are more wary - citing concerns about rude behaviour, cheap spending habits and the potential for political disputes, our correspondent says.
"The mainlanders will be our guests," Taiwanese Premier Liu Chao-shiuan said Thursday."The mainlanders will be our guests," Taiwanese Premier Liu Chao-shiuan said Thursday.
"I hope we can work together to impress them with the Taiwanese people's good-nature, politeness, passion and hospitality.""I hope we can work together to impress them with the Taiwanese people's good-nature, politeness, passion and hospitality."
Were you on the flight? Will you use this service in the future? How important is this for relations between China and Taiwan? Send your comments using the post form below, or text +44 7624 800 100:
Were you on the flight? Will you use this service in the future? How important is this for relations between China and Taiwan? Send your comments using the post form below, or text +44 7624 800 100:
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