Road to daily direct links

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-16 07:56

Jan 1, 1979: The mainland calls for early resumption of three direct links. It launches cross-Straits mail and telephone services later that year.

1989: Cross-Straits mail travels through Hong Kong. Taiwan opens telephone and telegraph services via a third place.

April 1993: Cross-Straits joint registered mail services begin.

1996: The mainland's China Telecom and Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom establish direct telecom services across the Straits.

April 1997: Experimental direct shipping starts between the mainland's Fuzhou and Xiamen and Taiwan's Kaohsiung.

March 1998: Regular container ships start sailing across the Straits, taking a detour through a third place.

Early 2001: Direct cargo and passenger shipping services start between Taiwan's Kinmen and Matsu and the mainland's Fujian province.

Spring Festival, 2003: Six Taiwan airlines launch Spring Festival chartered flights via a third place.

2005: Airlines from the two sides jointly operate Spring Festival chartered flights by flying over a third place.

Early 2006: Chartered flights operate for other traditional Chinese festivals.

July 4, 2008: Weekend chartered flights begin.

Nov 4, 2008: The two sides agree to launch daily direct air, shipping and postal services.

Dec 15, 2008: Daily direct air, shipping and postal services open.