China-Taiwan rapprochement has economic focus
Chinese communist officials and a leader of Taiwan’s Nationalist Party have held the highest-level meeting between their parties since civil war split the two sides in 1949. They called for expanded economic ties.
Chiang Pin-kung, vice chairman of the Nationalists, who once ruled China and now are Taiwan’s main opposition party, is visiting the mainland this week on a history-making trip that underscores a warming in relations with their former communist enemies.
Chiang met officials of the Communist Party’s Taiwan Office yesterday. The two sides said they agreed on 10 proposals to expand trade, travel and commercial ties, but the agreements were more symbolic than practical, because the Nationalists lack the power to make Taiwan’s policy toward China.
Mainland officials expressed hope that “Taiwan authorities would cancel all limitations on economic cooperation”, said He Shiguang, a Chinese spokesman.
“Economic and trade cooperation is a major element for cross-Strait peace and stability,” he said.
Tensions have surged over China’s new law authorising an attack if Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, tries to make its de facto independence permanent. The two sides have no official relations, though trade and travel between them are soaring.
Chinese officials and Chiang’s delegation have played down differences during his five-day visit, which began on Monday.
The Nationalists say it is the first trip by a party leader to the mainland since 1949.
The Nationalists and communists share a desire to eventually unite Taiwan with the mainland and a dislike for Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. Beijing accuses him of pursuing independence, while the Nationalists say he is provoking the mainland.
A spokesman for Chiang’s delegation, Chang Jung-kung, said the visit was meant to “build a bridge” to the mainland, and that it would be up to Taiwan’s government to take the next steps.
