Taiwan leader sees daily China flights in 6 months

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday the island would likely launch direct flights with China in about half a year, signaling closer trade ties between the two political rivals.

Ma made the comments in a speech at a business event.

Taiwan and China signed an agreement earlier this month to allow regular direct flights on weekends, although it still needs the approval of Taiwan's parliament to be implemented.

(Reporting by Lee Chyen Yee; Editing by Jonathan Hopfner)