Momentum building for cross-strait flights

A breakthrough on direct flights between the mainland and Taiwan may be imminent, the South China Morning Post reported, citing Beijing’s Taiwan affairs authority. Li Weiyi, spokesman for the State Council’s Taiwan Affairs Office said that "conditions are ripe" for a breakthrough in cross-strait flights and increased tourism. Li did not comment on whether regular direct weekend flights would commence by July, as Taiwan’s ruling Kuomintang party has hoped. The purported breakthrough follows an historic meeting between Taiwan’s Vice President-elect Vincent Siew Wan-chang and President Hu Jintao at the Boao Forum in Hainan province on Saturday. President-elect Ma Ying-jeou has advocated economic integration between the mainland and Taiwan.