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Historic China-Taiwan summit held | Historic China-Taiwan summit held |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The head of Taiwan's ruling party has met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the highest-level encounter since the two sides split in 1949. | The head of Taiwan's ruling party has met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the highest-level encounter since the two sides split in 1949. |
Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung is in China for a six-day landmark visit to discuss cross-strait transport links. | Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung is in China for a six-day landmark visit to discuss cross-strait transport links. |
The trip is being seen as another sign of warming ties between the two sides. | The trip is being seen as another sign of warming ties between the two sides. |
Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, has called for a new "chapter of peace" to be opened. | Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, has called for a new "chapter of peace" to be opened. |
Mr Wu met the Chinese President at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, who made reference to the potential for improved relations under Taiwan's new leadership. | |
"I hope we can promote cross-strait relations, exchange our opinions and look to the future, and push forward peaceful cross-strait development," Mr Hu said. | |
TAIWAN-CHINA RELATIONS Ruled by separate governments since end of Chinese civil war in 1949 China considers the island part of its territoryChina has offered a "one country, two systems" solution, like Hong KongMost people in Taiwan support status quo Taiwan flashpoint As he left Taiwan on Monday, Mr Wu said his 16-member delegation bore a great responsibility. | |
"I hope the visit will help develop positive cross-strait ties, ensure security of Taiwan people, maintain welfare of Taiwan people and push for the government's China policy," he said. | "I hope the visit will help develop positive cross-strait ties, ensure security of Taiwan people, maintain welfare of Taiwan people and push for the government's China policy," he said. |
On Tuesday Mr Wu held talks with Jia Qinglin, a high-ranking Communist Party official. | On Tuesday Mr Wu held talks with Jia Qinglin, a high-ranking Communist Party official. |
The agenda included establishing direct cross-strait flights and allowing more Chinese tourists into Taiwan. | The agenda included establishing direct cross-strait flights and allowing more Chinese tourists into Taiwan. |
The BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei says Mr Wu is not authorised to sign any documents with Chinese officials. | The BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei says Mr Wu is not authorised to sign any documents with Chinese officials. |
And some analysts have said that China is calling the shots by allowing this high profile meeting to take place before a visit by the head of Taiwan's semi-official body, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the only organisation designated by Taipei to hold negotiations with Beijing in the absence of official contacts. | And some analysts have said that China is calling the shots by allowing this high profile meeting to take place before a visit by the head of Taiwan's semi-official body, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the only organisation designated by Taipei to hold negotiations with Beijing in the absence of official contacts. |
Nevertheless Mr Ma has said he welcomes this latest visit, our correspondent adds. | Nevertheless Mr Ma has said he welcomes this latest visit, our correspondent adds. |
He says contacts between the two sides' ruling parties could serve as what he calls a "second track" in helping to improve and promote friendlier relations between Taiwan and China. | He says contacts between the two sides' ruling parties could serve as what he calls a "second track" in helping to improve and promote friendlier relations between Taiwan and China. |
China says that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the two have been separately governed since 1949. | China says that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the two have been separately governed since 1949. |
Beijing has previously threatened to attack Taiwan if the self-ruled island ever proclaimed independence. | Beijing has previously threatened to attack Taiwan if the self-ruled island ever proclaimed independence. |