This indirect trade runs heavily in Taiwan's favor, providing another outlet for the island's booming economy.

The Taiwanese reaction seems consistent with the general trend in its relations with the mainland, a trend toward private contacts, indirect trade and even growing private investment.

Direct shipment and communication are not permitted, though indirect trade through Hong Kong and other routes has surged.

According to official figures, indirect trade routed through Hong Kong reached $1.83 billion in the first six months of 1990, up 4.7 percent over the corresponding period last year.

Indeed, there is already a flourishing indirect trade between Taiwan and the mainland.

In just the first two months of this year, indirect two-way trade totaled $1.17 billion, up 30 percent from a year ago.

In the medium term advertising in trade magazines to cater for information of the launch getting to the indirect trade.

With the introduction of precious metals such as gold and silver, indirect trades greatly separated in time and space became possible.

Since China and South Korea began indirect trade in 1975, the trade volume has steadily increased.

But indirect trade, through Hong Kong or other third parties, has grown to about $200 million a year.