Taiwan's newly-elected leader, Ma Ying-jeou, has discussed starting direct cross-strait commercial flights with his aides.

If current talks between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are fruitful, regular weekend charter flights are expected to start on July 4.

Flights will depart from the Chinese mainland on Fridays and return on Mondays.

Talks over mainland tourists travelling to Taiwan for vacation are also being held.

Chinese mainland and Taiwan will continue negotiations to begin normal commercial flights across the Strait following the start of weekend charter flights. Normal flight services are expected to begin within one year.