Taiwan leader Ma says direct links symbol of cross-Straits reconciliation

TAIPEI, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan leader Ma Ying-Jeou on Monday said direct transport and postal services across the Taiwan Straits symbolized reconciliation between the island and the Chinese mainland.

At a ceremony in south Taiwan's Kaosiung port, Ma expressed the hope that the two sides could work together for common peace and prosperity after the direct transport and postal services started.

Together with other Taiwan officials and representatives of local shipping industry, Ma witnessed container ship Uni-Adroit of Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen setting off from Kaosiung Port to Tianjin Port of the Chinese mainland at 10:15 a.m. (2:15 GMT).

Four freight ships belonging to the mainland and Taiwan shipping companies also departed Keelung Harbor in northern Taiwan on Monday morning, heading for the mainland ports.