Xi and Ma to energize exchanges

Top leader of the Chinese mainland Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou in Singapore on Saturday, signaling a new high in cross-Straits exchanges and a new phase in the peaceful development of relations between the mainland and Taiwan.

The historic, high-level meeting reflects the great wisdom and decisiveness of both sides of the Straits, given that their political disputes - for example, the two leaders' official titles and positions at the meeting - are yet to be resolved. No agreement will be signed and no joint statement will be reached at the meeting, however.

During the first meeting of "leaders across Taiwan Straits", they will address each other as Mr Xi and Mr Ma. Such pragmatic arrangement is not only in accordance with the one-China principle and the spirit of mutual respect; it will also bring out the best in the Xi-Ma talks as opposed to wild speculations that Taiwan has been "dwarfed" in this relationship.