Taipei and Seoul to resume talks on direct aviation links

Taiwan South Korea are scheduled to resume talks on the reopening of direct flights between the two countries, it was reported yesterday.

"A consensus has been tentatively reached that negotiations would be held before the end of this year, and that the direct flights be restored by March," a Chinese-language newspaper quoted a source as saying.

"Whether the aviation talks would make a breakthrough is in Beijing's hands within the next month," the source said.

Beijing opposed Seoul's signing of official aviation links with Taiwan which it regards as part of its territory waiting to be reunified by force if necessary.

Taiwan severed aviation links with South Korea in 1992.

But the paper said the transportation and communications ministry held discussions last week to review the reopening of direct flights between Taipei and Seoul.

The paper said six domestic air carriers had voiced plans to provide flights to South Korea -- one of the most popular sighting-seeing spots for Taiwanese tourists.