Taiwan, China hold historic meeting

BOAO, China — Taiwan's next vice president sat down with Chinese leader Hu Jintao for a brief but historic chat Saturday, raising hopes that the rivals would begin to ease six decades of hostilities.

The meeting between Hu and Vincent Siew marked the first time such a high-ranking elected figure from Taiwan visited a Chinese president since the two sides split in 1949, when Communists took over Beijing and Taiwan refused to be ruled by the new government.

The 20-minute talk, held on the sidelines of a conference between business and world leaders on Hainan Island, was largely symbolic, focusing on boosting economic ties.

Siew, a 69-year-old technocrat and economics expert, said the meeting was "friendly," and he left with a positive impression of Hu. "I believe he's a pragmatic man," he told reporters.

Hu said that both sides faced a historic opportunity and they should work together for more progress, China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported early Sunday. He said Beijing wanted to "think deep about cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation under the new circumstances."

China has repeatedly threatened to attack Taiwan if the island of 23 million people refuses to unify eventually. Washington has warned Beijing that U.S. forces might defend the island — one of Asia's most vibrant democracies. America sent aircraft carriers to the Taiwan Strait in 1996 when China tested missiles close to Taiwan.

Relations have been especially bumpy under outgoing Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. Beijing was deeply suspicious of Chen, who steps down next month, even before he was elected in 2000 because his Democratic Progressive Party leans toward formal independence for Taiwan.

Beijing appears to favor Siew and his Nationalist Party political partner, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou. They were elected last month after promising voters they would soothe relations with China — just 100 miles across the Taiwan Strait.

Neither oppose unification, but they insist the thorny issue is best settled by future generations. Most Taiwanese feel deeply uneasy about being part of the mainland as long as it is undemocratic and controlled by the Communist Party.

After Saturday's meeting, Siew said he didn't expect any quick political breakthroughs. But he said he told Hu the two sides should begin talking and make economic issues the top priority.

"Both sides should face up to reality, usher in the future, set aside disputes and pursue a win-win situation," Siew said.