Taiwan’s Ma ‘hopeful’ about Beijing negotiations

Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou said on Monday he was optimistic about this week’s historic talks with Beijing, AFP reported. "I’m very hopeful about the upcoming negotiations," Ma was quoted as saying. Four days of talks between Taiwan and the mainland are scheduled to begin on Wednesday in Beijing, the first direct dialogue between the two sides in over ten years. The establishment of permanent direct flights between the mainland and Taiwan, and allowing more mainland tourists to visit the island are expected to be the main topics of discussion. Taiwan is expected to strike a deal that will allow the launch of weekend charter flights between the island and the mainland, while allowing up to 3,000 Chinese tourists to visit the island daily.