“…Taiwan and China agreed to set up representative offices in each other’s territories today in an early breakthrough during the first formal talks between the two sides since 1999…”

By Jonathan Watts
Source: Guardian

Taiwan and China agreed to set up representative offices in each other’s territories today in an early breakthrough during the first formal talks between the two sides since 1999.

The move - reported by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency - raises hopes for an easing of one of Asia’s longest simmering disputes.

The offices, which will perform some consular functions, should smooth the traffic of people and goods between the island and the mainland, which have been split since the civil war in 1949.

Moves to increase charter flights and tourism are also expected to be agreed tomorrow at the conclusion of the high level dialogue.

The negotiations should lay the foundation for “a long-term peaceful relationship between the two sides,” Chiang Pin-kung, the leader of the Taiwan delegation said at the opening of the talks in Beijing today.

The party, which includes two vice government ministers, is the most senior delegation to engage in bilateral talks, a sign of the dramatic thaw in relations since Taiwan’s election of a nationalist president, Ma Ying-jeou in March.

Ma secured office on a promise to boost the economy through closer links with fast-growing China.

In the initial stages of dialogue, talks will focus on expanding tourism and commercial flights across the Strait.

The two sides are expected to sign a deal that will allow 36 charter flights every week, which will push up annual air passenger numbers on the route from 80,000 to several hundred thousand. Currently, the only direct charter flights are during China’s four main holidays.

In the long term, the search for political common ground is likely to prove more difficult. Many Taiwanese cherish their distinctive culture and democratic system of government. President Ma has ruled out reunification.

The last set of talks broke down in 1999, when the then president Lee Teng-hui upset Beijing by talking of “a special state-to-state relationship” between the two sides. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and threatens to use force if the island attempts to declare itself an independent state.

While pressing for closer economic ties, Taiwan is also trying to strengthen its military options.

The island’s government has reportedly urged the United States to clear a US$4.9bn (£2.5bn) sale of 66 F-16 fighter jets to beef up its defences.

“We believe that Taiwan’s acquisition of additional F-16s … will do much to enhance Taiwan’s air defence and at the same time improve stability across the Taiwan Strait,” Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s chief representative in Washington, told Reuters news agency.

About this articleClose This article was first published on guardian.co.uk on Thursday June 12 2008. It was last updated at 12:50 on June 12 2008.