Beijing may push for cross-Straits charter cargo flights

Following the success of the direct cross-Straits passenger flights over the Lunar holiday, Beijing is expected to announce plans to implement cross-Straits cargo flights, state media reported. After an informal meeting between officials of the Civil Aviation of China and Taiwanese airline executives Tuesday, both sides are optimistic that China will take steps to allow direct air links with Taiwan. Chen Shui-bian, Taiwan's president, invited Beijing to discuss the issue last week.