The visit last month to China by Taiwan's ruling Kuomintang (KMT) chairman Wu Poh-hsiung was the clearest example so far of the recent thaw in relations between the mainland and the island it claims as its own. The shift in atmosphere is in marked contrast to the tensions evident under the eight-year rule of former Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian, during which both sides would periodically ratchet up tensions -- China by threatening the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control and Chen by pressing for independence. China appears determined to capitalize on the new mood since incoming Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office last month, and has already invited Taiwanese officials to attend talks in Beijing on June 11, in what are poised to be the first bilateral talks in a decade.
Taiwan-China Thaw Overshadows Deep Taiwan-Japan Ties
