China envoy arrives in Taiwan for economic talks
Chen Yunlin arrives in Taiwan for five days of economic talks
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Monday, 03, Nov 2008 09:33
A top Chinese envoy has arrived in Taiwan for five days of economic talks.
Chen Yunlin, who heads China's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, is expected to sign new agreements on economic and transport issues during his visit.
The discussions are seen as a direct result of Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou's efforts to improve ties with Beijing and end decades of political rivalry.
Pro-independence activists have announced they plan on demonstrating during Mr Chen's visit.
Speaking upon his arrival in Taiwan on Monday, he told reporters: "I am bringing the goodwill wishes to Taiwan's 23 million compatriots from the mainland's 1.3 billion people.
"This visit has not come easily. Only through talks can we build trust and only through cooperation can we create a win-win economic situation."
Since Mr Ma became president in March, a series of trade and tourism deals have been signed with China, including a deal to allow up to 3,000 mainlanders to visit Taiwan every day.
However, the president's actions have outraged pro-independence groups who claim he is "selling out" Taiwan to China.
The groups claim they will demonstrate outside parliament for three days during the discussions this week.