The crew of a China Eastern flight is ready to fly to Taiwan.

"Today is another memorable date in the history of cross-Straits relations ... which signifies that our 30-year effort has finally paid off," Wang said.

Wang said direct shipping links will greatly cut costs, boost cross-Straits trade and personnel exchanges and provide a "new impetus" for the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Wang said the start of direct transport and mail services showed that regardless of difficulties, anything could be realized so long as it would benefit compatriots across the Straits and meet development needs.

"The peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is unstoppable," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2008)