TAIPEI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane of Taiwan-based TransAsia Airways took off from Taipei Songshan Airport for Shanghai at 8:06 a.m. on Monday, starting the direct air transport from Taiwan to the Chinese mainland.

Chinese mainland, Taiwan start direct postal service

    TAIPEI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Wu Min-yu, chairman of the Taiwan-based Chunghwa Post Co. Ltd., sent out a letter to Liu Andong, president of the Chinese mainland's China Post Corporation, on 9:17 a.m. (1:17 GMT), marking the start of direct postal service between the two sides.   Full story

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-Jeou witnesses launch of direct shipping service to Chinese mainland 

    TAIPEI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan leader Ma Ying-Jeou on Monday said direct transport and postal services across the Taiwan Straits symbolized reconciliation between the island and the Chinese mainland.

    At a ceremony in south Taiwan's Kaosiung port, Ma expressed the hope that the two sides could work together for common peace and prosperity after the direct transport and postal services started.  Full story