Mainland and Taiwan Begin New Round of Talks in Taichung

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have started a fresh round of talks in central Taiwan's Taichung city, with three agreements expected to be signed.

Both sides pledge to continue their efforts in pushing the systematic talks and broadening benefits for people across the Taiwan Strait.

The talks between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, or ARATS, and its Taiwan counterpart, the Straits Exchange Foundation, are the fourth round since the two sides resumed negotiations in June 2008 after a 10-year suspension.

The two sides reached a consensus on mainland investment in Taiwan and signed nine agreements during the three previous meetings held in Beijing, Taipei and Nanjing.

Chen Yunlin, president of the ARATS, says these agreements have played a critical role in improving cross-Strait relations and boosting exchanges and cooperation between compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

"The nine agreements and one consensus mostly focus on cross-Strait economic and trade cooperation, covering subjects that would have great impacts on hundreds of thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises and cross-Strait exchanges. The economic and social benefits will definitely be shared by all the people on the mainland and in Taiwan. In reviewing the agreements signed in the past year, we will continue making concrete efforts for the welfare of compatriots on both sides of the strait."

Chen also says while it was impossible for the already signed agreements to cover every aspect of the issues, future talks will steadily address them.

Chiang Pin-kung, Chairman of the island's Straits Exchange Foundation, agrees. He says he is confident that the talks will further boost cross-Strait ties in the coming year.

"I sincerely hope based on the results of the fourth round of talks, the two sides can continue pushing for systematic consultations, accumulating experiences, and furthering exchanges and cooperation to bring greater benefits to the people. Meanwhile, I hope it can help build trust between the mainland and Taiwan, create more conditions for mutual benefits and a win-win situation, and gather momentum for peace and stability across the strait."

The mainland and Taiwan are expected to sign agreements on three topics, including labor cooperation in the fishing industry, cooperation in the inspection and quarantine of agricultural products, and cooperation in standard measuring, inspection and certification.

The two sides also reached a basic consensus on avoiding double taxation and strengthening taxation cooperation in a preparatory meeting yesterday.

They will also exchange views on a proposed economic cooperation framework agreement, which might be on the agenda for the next round of talks in 2010.

Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.