Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief Wang Yi said direct cross-Straits links on transport and postal services is a historical step on Monday, and "a three-decade dream has come true".

Wang, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a port in Tianjin to celebrate the start of cross-Straits direct shipping.

"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, the prospect of peaceful cross-Straits relations is now getting brighter," he said.

Under the agreement on direct shipping, passenger and cargo vessels owned by mainland and Taiwan companies may sail directly across the Straits subject to official approval.

The mainland will open 63 ports to Taiwan ships while Taiwan will open 11. The two sides might increase the number of ports based on a "developing situation," according to the agreement.

(Xinhua News Agency December 15, 2008)