Shanghai Daily news

China's mainland welcomes the Taiwan authorities' approval of talks on passenger and cargo charter flights across the Taiwan Strait, China Central Television reported last night, quoting a central government spokesman.
"We have noticed the remarks of Taiwan officials regarding cross-strait passenger and cargo charter flights. We welcome such remarks," said the spokesman with the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.
He said it is a consistent policy of the mainland that direct air, shipping, postal and commercial links across the Taiwan Strait should be realized.
"We'll do anything that can benefit the Taiwan compatriots and are conducive to the promotion of cross-strait exchanges," said the spokesman. "And we will try our utmost to do them well."
Frank Hsieh, the No. 2 leader of Taiwan, said yesterday his government would allow Taiwanese flights to overfly mainland's airspace for the first time in more than five decades, The Associated Press reported.
The airlines affected - China Airlines and Eva Airways - still need to apply for the mainland's permission, Hsieh said.
Taiwanese airlines now have to pass either north over Russia or south over Southeast Asia on flights to Europe and South Asia.
China Airlines, Taiwan's largest carrier, flies to eight destinations in Europe while Eva flies to six. Both airlines fly to three cities in South Asia and the Middle East, according to AP.