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BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Sunday he hoped one day to visit Taiwan, amid warming relations between Beijing and the self-ruled island.
"Differences between brothers cannot sever their blood ties and I believe that problems will eventually be solved," Wen told a press conference at the end of China's annual session of parliament.
"I still cherish a very strong wish to visit Taiwan one day," he added, noting that 5,000 years of shared culture and history should not be swept away because of "political developments" over the past 60 years.
Taiwan split from the mainland in 1949 at the end of a bloody civil war. China still considers Taiwan part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.
Tensions have however eased markedly since Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou took office in 2008 on a China-friendly platform.
China and Taiwan are in negotiations on a major trade pact, the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, which is expected to boost trade across the Taiwan Strait by easing barriers.
Taipei hopes to sign the pact in May or June to help boost economic growth and employment. The first round of negotiations on the pact took place in January.
Wen earlier this month hailed the thaw in relations with Taiwan, saying ties had in 2009 "made important progress from a historic new starting point, and a positive trend toward peaceful development emerged".
- AFP/ir
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