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Historic China-Taiwan summit held
The head of Taiwan's ruling party has met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the highest-level encounter since the two sides split in 1949.
Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung is in China for a six-day landmark visit to discuss cross-strait transport links.
The trip is being seen as another sign of warming ties between the two sides.
Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, has called for a new "chapter of peace" to be opened.
Mr Wu met the Chinese President at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, who made reference to the potential for improved relations under Taiwan's new leadership.
"I hope we can promote cross-strait relations, exchange our opinions and look to the future, and push forward peaceful cross-strait development," Mr Hu said.
As he left Taiwan on Monday, Mr Wu said his 16-member delegation bore a great responsibility.
"I hope the visit will help develop positive cross-strait ties, ensure security of Taiwan people, maintain welfare of Taiwan people and push for the government's China policy," he said.
On Tuesday Mr Wu held talks with Jia Qinglin, a high-ranking Communist Party official.
The agenda included establishing direct cross-strait flights and allowing more Chinese tourists into Taiwan.
The BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei says Mr Wu is not authorised to sign any documents with Chinese officials.
And some analysts have said that China is calling the shots by allowing this high profile meeting to take place before a visit by the head of Taiwan's semi-official body, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the only organisation designated by Taipei to hold negotiations with Beijing in the absence of official contacts.
Nevertheless Mr Ma has said he welcomes this latest visit, our correspondent adds.
He says contacts between the two sides' ruling parties could serve as what he calls a "second track" in helping to improve and promote friendlier relations between Taiwan and China.
China says that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the two have been separately governed since 1949.
Beijing has previously threatened to attack Taiwan if the self-ruled island ever proclaimed independence.
The head of Taiwan's ruling party has met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the highest-level encounter since the two sides split in 1949.
Kuomintang (Nationalist Party) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung is in China for a six-day landmark visit to discuss cross-strait transport links.
The trip is being seen as another sign of warming ties between the two sides.
Taiwan's new president, Ma Ying-jeou, has called for a new "chapter of peace" to be opened.
Mr Wu met the Chinese President at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, who made reference to the potential for improved relations under Taiwan's new leadership.
"I hope we can promote cross-strait relations, exchange our opinions and look to the future, and push forward peaceful cross-strait development," Mr Hu said.
As he left Taiwan on Monday, Mr Wu said his 16-member delegation bore a great responsibility.
"I hope the visit will help develop positive cross-strait ties, ensure security of Taiwan people, maintain welfare of Taiwan people and push for the government's China policy," he said.
On Tuesday Mr Wu held talks with Jia Qinglin, a high-ranking Communist Party official.
The agenda included establishing direct cross-strait flights and allowing more Chinese tourists into Taiwan.
The BBC's Caroline Gluck in Taipei says Mr Wu is not authorised to sign any documents with Chinese officials.
And some analysts have said that China is calling the shots by allowing this high profile meeting to take place before a visit by the head of Taiwan's semi-official body, the Straits Exchange Foundation, the only organisation designated by Taipei to hold negotiations with Beijing in the absence of official contacts.
Nevertheless Mr Ma has said he welcomes this latest visit, our correspondent adds.
He says contacts between the two sides' ruling parties could serve as what he calls a "second track" in helping to improve and promote friendlier relations between Taiwan and China.
China says that Taiwan is part of its territory, although the two have been separately governed since 1949.
Beijing has previously threatened to attack Taiwan if the self-ruled island ever proclaimed independence.
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