BEIJING, Jan 10 (AP) -- A delegation of Taiwanese politicians met with Chinese officials Monday to discuss allowing direct charter flights between the two sides during next month's Chinese New Year holiday -- a first for the rivals.

The group, which arrived in Beijing Sunday, met with Chen Yunlin, director of the ruling Communist Party's Taiwan Affairs Office, the official China News Service said Monday. The report did not provide any details.

They will also speak with officials of the General Administration of the Civil Aviation of China, the state-run China Daily said.

"The negotiations are set to inject fresh hopes to the launch of non-stop, two-way charter flights between the mainland and Taiwan during the 2005 Chinese Lunar New Year," the newspaper said.

Direct air links have been banned since the two sides split during civil war in 1949. But trade has been vigorous in recent years despite tense political relations, and Taiwanese tourists and investors have flocked to the mainland.

The delegation's visit, the first of its kind by politicians instead of airline officials, indicates an increasing recognition by both sides that trade plays a key part in their relations.

The issue is more pressing in the days leading up to the new year holiday -- the busiest travel season -- when many Taiwan residents want to travel to see relatives on the mainland, and vice versa.

John Chang, an opposition lawmaker heading the delegation, said its six members had received calls from Taiwanese businessmen asking them to help establish charter flights for the Lunar New Year, which falls this year on Feb. 9, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

While the Taiwan government has not officially authorized the visit by the opposition Nationalist Party, it would be pressured to recognize the results if an agreement is reached, Chang has said.

Taiwan has been leery about allowing direct flights from the mainland, which still considers the self-ruled island its territory and is its biggest security threat.

The Taiwanese military has warned that Chinese civilian planes may conduct secret reconnaissance sorties or cover up fighter jets to help them evade radar detections.

In 2003, six Taiwanese air carriers flew charter flights to Shanghai and picked up hundreds of Taiwanese returning home for the Lunar New Year, but barred Chinese airlines to Taiwan, citing security concerns.

Last year, China refused to follow the 2003 practice, insisting that Chinese carriers should be involved. Taiwan rejected the stance.

It has recently softened its position, saying that Chinese carriers could provide direct charter flights if they pass through Hong Kong airspace instead of flying straight across the Taiwan Strait. The move would give the Taiwan military enough warning time if it feels something is amiss.

Beijing said last week it was open to discussion on direct flights, also a possible concession on its part.

While China has allowed holiday charter flights in previous years, travelers have to stop at a third point, usually Hong Kong, where they transfer to a foreign airline.

Chinese officials have in the past refused such talks unless Taiwanese leaders agree that the island is part of China and that the two must eventually unify.

But it has said charter flights could be negotiated by airline representatives from both sides without government involvement.