Bilateral Relations: China, Taiwan hold formal talks

China and Taiwan began their first formal talks in a decade here Thursday, the official Xinhua news agency reported, the latest step in a dramatic rapprochement between the long-time rivals, AFP reported.

The heads of semi-official bodies from the two sides began their dialogue shortly after 9:00 am (0100 GMT), Xinhua said.

The talks, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, are expected to focus on establishing regular direct flights between China and Taiwan for the first time since the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Allowing more mainland Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan will also be on the agenda, both sides said previously.

Republished with permission FOCUS Information Agency
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