Taiwan has decided to lift the ban on Taiwan commercial aircraft flying over mainland China's airspace.

If China approves Taiwan carriers' applications, it will be a boon to both passengers and airline operators because the flying times from Taiwan to South Asia, the Middle East and Europe will be greatly reduced.

Taiwan has agreed to simultaneous negotiations for the opening of passenger, cargo and special-purpose charter flights across the Taiwan Strait.

China has insisted that issues regarding the opening of cross-strait passenger charter flights should be discussed simultaneously.