Chinese mainland, Taiwan start landmark direct air and sea links

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On Monday morning, twin ceremonies at the mainland's northern  port city of Tianjin and Taiwan's port of Kaohsiung marked the  beginning of direct shipping services.

Also on Monday morning, twin ceremonies at the mainland's northern port city of Tianjin and Taiwan's port of Kaohsiung marked the beginning of direct shipping services.

This will slash travel time for ships crossing the Strait.

The mainland plans to open 63 ports to Taiwan-registered ships while Taiwan will open 11 to mainland-registered ships. The two sides may choose to increase the number of ports involved as the situation develops.

Editor:Du Xiaodan