Taiwan leader Ma says direct links symbol of cross-Straits reconciliation

Liu Chao-shiuan (L), head of Taiwan's "Executive Yuan",  presents a plaque commemorating the direct sea transport to  a representative of the shipping companys at a ceremony  marking the start of direct sea transport between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan at Keelung Harbor of southeast China's  Taiwan, Dec. 15, 2008. The Chinese mainland and Taiwan started  direct air and sea transport and postal service Monday morning. (Xinhua/Chen Binhua)

Four freight ships belonging to mainland and Taiwan shipping companies also departed Keelung Harbor in northern Taiwan on Monday morning, heading for mainland ports.

Earlier on Monday, two passenger charter planes of the mainland's China Eastern Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines landed in Taipei, and a Taiwan-based TransAsia Airways jetliner landed in Shanghai.

At a ceremony marking the beginning of direct postal service from Taiwan to the mainland, Wu Min-yu, chairman of the Taiwan-based Chunghwa Post Co. Ltd., sent a letter to Liu Andong, president of the mainland's China Post Corp.

The letter is expected to be received by Liu as early as Monday afternoon thanks to the start of direct flights.

Chunghwa Post also issued a commemorative stamp that featured a peace pigeon with a letter.

"This is a historic moment," Wu said, adding that direct postal service would further enhance links and exchanges by people on both sides of the Straits.

Wu said Chunghwa Post would increase cooperation with China Post to provide more convenient and efficient services.