China envoy in Taiwan says talks crucial

[November 03, 2008]  TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Taiwan since the two sides split nearly six decades ago arrived Monday for economic talks he said were crucial for building trust between the longtime rivals.

The five-day trip by Chen Yunlin began amid tight security. Thousands of police guarded the airport and security forces erected tall barbed-wire barricades at Chen's hotel with large nets to block eggs and other items thrown by protesters.

Chen's visit is seen as the result of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's efforts since taking office in May to improve ties across the Taiwan Strait and end decades of political rivalry.

The two sides have been separated since the Communists won a bloody civil war and took over the mainland in 1949. China has long threatened to attack if Taiwan refuses to unify and seeks formal independence.

A black limousine escorted by police took Chen from the airport to the landmark Grand Hotel, where he spoke briefly in the lobby.

"I am bringing the goodwill wishes to Taiwan's 23 million compatriots from the mainland's 1.3 billion people," he said. "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."

Although many Taiwanese welcome the ease in tensions between the two sides, some fear the talks may pave the way for a Communist takeover of the island, 100 miles off the mainland's southeastern coast.

Pro-independence supporters and other activists immediately began protesting Chen's visit. A convoy of about two dozen taxis cruised through the streets, honking their horns and shouting anti-China slogans through loudspeakers.

About 50 followers of Falun Gong, a spiritual group banned on the mainland, practiced their meditation exercises outside a skyscraper where Chen had dinner.

Chen, who heads the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, is to hold talks with his Taiwanese counterpart Chiang Pin-kung on cementing closer economic ties, especially transport links.

Chiang called Chen's visit "a historic moment in cross-Strait exchanges."

Before Chen's arrival at the hotel, police dispersed a small group of protesters who unfurled a banner reading "Bandit Chen Yunlin Get Out" from the hotel's 7th floor.

A pro-independence group, Taiwan Society North, has offered cash rewards for protesters who hit Chen with eggs.

The pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party staged a rally outside the legislature Monday night with about 2,000 people. Many wore yellow headbands and scarves that said "Taiwan is my country."

In a letter published in major Taiwanese newspapers Monday, DPP Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen said the opposition protests are aimed at preventing Ma's administration from tilting too much toward China.

"If things keep on like this, Taiwan's economy will irreversibly rely fully on China," she said. "In the not-too-distant future, would Taiwan still keep its sovereignty? Would Taiwanese get other options other than accepting unification?"

Beijing does not formally recognize Taiwan's government and there has been much speculation about whether Chen will address the Taiwanese leader as "president" when they meet Thursday.

Chen ignored reporters Monday when they asked him what title he would use.

Chen's deputy, Zhang Mingqing, was attacked and thrown to the ground by protesters during an informal visit to the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan on Oct. 20, injuring him slightly and prompting him to leave two days ahead of schedule.

Ma has repeatedly tried to assure the public that Taiwan's sovereignty will not be compromised. He has said he understands the protesters' concerns and will relay "the voice of the Taiwanese public" during his talks with Chen.

[Associated Press; By DEBBY WU]

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