Historic visit to boost cross-Straits ties

By Xing Zhigang (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-11-03 16:31

Chen Yunlin (R), head of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), and his wife Lai Xiaohua walks down the stairs after arriving at the Taoyuan Airport in Taipei, November 3, 2008. [Xinhua]

Chen urged both sides to "resolve disputes through negotiation and replace confrontation with co-operation" to achieve a win-win situation.

He said the development of cross-Straits relations is facing rare historic opportunities and it was a top priority for Beijing and Taipei to improve bilateral personnel and economic exchanges through further talks.

He said both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are facing grim economic challenges given the global financial crisis and slow-down of the world economy.

"It is imperative that the two sides join together to help each other to cope with the situation," he said.

On Wednesday, the two sides are scheduled to discuss ways to boost economic cooperation to help deal with the challenges posed by the financial crisis.

Negotiators are expected to sign four deals on air and shipping links, postal service and food safety.

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