China to hold talks with Taiwan over direct air links in Macau today

"The delegation of the Taipei Airlines Association Chairman Lo Ta-hsin and Pu's delegation will hold negotiations on January 15 in Macau over technical and business issues of the 2005 Spring Festival charter flights," China Central Television reported.

Pu Zhaozhou, the executive director of the China Civil Aviation Association, and a delegation were travelling to Macau Friday, it said.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said Thursday it proposed the plan to hold talks with China this weekend.

Taiwan has banned direct transport exchanges since it split from China in 1949 after a civil war on the mainland. China considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.