see or do business. But they have to change planes at a third point _ usually Hong Kong or Macau _ before flying to the mainland. Business leaders say the indirect flights are a waste of time and money, and have been pressuring the Taiwanese government to lift the ban. The rivals have come close to starting talks before, but progress was disrupted after long-standing political disputes flared. The biggest sticking issue has been Taiwan's political status. Beijing wants Taiwan to agree that the democratic, self-ruled island is an inseparable part of "one China." But many Taiwanese don't want to unify with the Communist mainland. The island's president, Chen Shui-bian, insists that Taiwanese should be free to determine their own future _ a notion that's anathema to Chinese leaders. In Saturday's talks, negotiators were expected to discuss recognizing travel documents and air controllers' orders, officials said. They might also agree on a timetable for flights. In 2003, charter flights run by Taiwan airlines picked up hundreds of Taiwanese from Shanghai. But the planes had to stop in Hong Kong or Macau, and Taiwan barred Chinese airlines from servicing the route. This year, Taiwan said it would allow Chinese airlines to carry passengers if they pass through Hong Kong airspace, without touching down, instead of flying in a straight line across the Taiwan Strait. Airlines are hoping the charter service will prompt the rivals to start regular flights, which would be extremely lucrative.
