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Beijing calls for Taiwan-China talks
HONG KONG, China -- Assuring Taiwan that China's policy towards the island will not change under the new Communist Party leadership, Beijing has once again called on Taipei to return to the diplomatic table. A spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office – China's cabinet-level policymaking council on Taiwan – said he hoped Taipei would respond positively to what he said was increasing flexibility and pragmatism regarding cross-Strait relations, state-run media reported. Spokesman Zhang Mingqing said that among Beijing's goodwill features were President Jiang Zemin's comments regarding Taiwan during the recent Communist Party Congress as well as China's demand for direct flights to the island. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province and has threatened to use force if necessary should the island move towards independence. The two separated in 1949 when the Nationalists fled to the island following civil war defeat by communist forces. Direct trade, transport and postal links with the mainland have been banned by Taiwan ever since. Direct linksHopes for a renewal of transport links have been given a boost, however, with recent political maneuverings suggesting direct China-Taiwan flights may soon be on the cards despite reservations from both sides. (Cautious nod for direct links) The flight links appear to have been fast-tracked following comments from Jiang earlier this month urging Taiwan and China to "shelve for now certain political disputes" and resume diplomatic negotiations as soon as possible. The Chinese president said it was important that both sides approach and discuss the 'three major topics' of most concern to Taiwan. These are: • The official end of the state of hostility between China and Taiwan • International diplomatic 'wiggle room' for the island, and • The political status of Taiwan authorities The 'wiggle room' Jiang referred to was quasi-diplomatic status for Taiwan economically and culturally but not on any official level. Fresh signals
Zhang said the fresh signals from Beijing demonstrate the commitment from China to developing cross-Strait ties, adding that Jiang's proposal for future talks could lead to a breaking of the political stalemate, state-run media said. "We hope the Taiwan authorities will treat the matter seriously this time and restart cross-Straits dialogue and negotiations at an early date on the basis of the 1992 consensus," Zhang was quoted as saying by the China Daily. That 1992 oral agreement from both parties said that both sides of the Taiwan Strait would follow the 'One China, two systems' principle. China has tried to woo Taiwan under the 'one China, two systems' formula already in use in former European colonies Hong Kong and Macau. But talks between the two sides broke off in 1999 when then Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui said China and Taiwan should have a state-to-state relationship. Taiwan's leaders have responded by reiterating that cross-Taiwan Strait talks could only commence without preconditions such as Beijing's one-China precept. Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian in September rejected China's terms for reunification, saying the self-ruled island would never give up its freedom, democracy or human rights.
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