Already, with no direct links yet allowed, cross-strait trade is growing by over 30% a year.

ECONOMIST: China and Taiwan: Behind the smiles | The

"We believe the implementation of the pact will further promote exchanges and co-operation in cross-strait trade and help the economies develop together, " spokesman Yao Jian said in a statement.

BBC: Historic Taiwan-China trade deal takes effect

Of the 74, 000 vessels, carrying one-third of global seaborne trade, that passed through the Strait of Malacca last year, most also plied the South China Sea.

ECONOMIST: The South China Sea becomes a zone of eternal dispute

Trade Minister Wu Yi has called for the expansion of cross-strait commerce.

CNN: Unreal War