The arrival of the first direct commercial flights from mainland China (Guangzhou) to Taiwan (Taipei) represented an important milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two regions. This event took place against the backdrop of various political and social tensions that had characterized cross-strait relations for more than fifty years following the Chinese Civil War, which culminated in the establishment of separate governments in 1949. The flights were initially scheduled as a temporary arrangement for the Lunar New Year, a time when many Taiwanese often travel to China to visit family. In just a few hours after the inaugural flight, a China Airlines flight completed its journey from Taipei to Beijing, further cementing the importance of this new service as a bridge between the two areas.

The flights marked the first time that commercial aviation directly connected Taiwan and mainland China since the two governments split. Prior to this, travel between the two had been restricted and limited to indirect routes that often involved stops in other countries. The direct commercial flights were seen as a step towards enhancing economic ties and potentially easing the diplomatic friction that had long existed between Taiwan and China. They opened the door for easier travel for business and families sharing ties across the strait, hinting at possibilities for future cooperation and dialogue.