China, Taiwan Restoring Direct Air, Sea, Postal Links

China and Taiwan will begin direct air, sea and postal services Monday for the first time since 1949.

Under a November agreement, the two sides will launch a cargo charter flight service and regular passenger flights, which used to take off only on weekends and major festivals.

Ships from China and Taiwan also are to begin their first direct voyage to the opposite shore in nearly six decades on Monday.

Officials on both sides of the Taiwan Straits say the direct routes will improve relations and sharply cut costs for travelers and businesses on the Chinese mainland and self-ruled island of Taiwan.

Direct cross-straits travel ended when Taiwan split from China in 1949.

China still considers Taiwan a part of its territory, and has threatened to take action if the island formally declares independence.

Since taking office in May, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has promoted closer ties with China.

Until recently, travelers usually had to pass through a third region like Hong Kong or Macau to get from the mainland to Taiwan.