China-Taiwan direct flights resumed after six decades

Five major Chinese cities will have direct air links with Taiwan, as ties between the two improve following the election of the island's new president, Ma Ying-jeou.

China and Taiwan resumed regular direct flights Friday for the first time in six decades, ushering in what Beijing called a "new start" in their tense and testy relations.

Hundreds of mainland Chinese tourists -- some in matching white or pink shirts -- arrived in Taiwan on Friday on the first regular commercial flights in nearly six decades between the old foes. The first flight, a China Southern Airlines plane carrying 230 passengers, touched down at Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan, and fire trucks shot water at it in a welcome gesture.