Britain says Taiwan election result offers real chance to improve links with China
Posted: 23 March 2008 0514 hrs

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LONDON: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband hailed the victory of Ma Ying-jeou in Taiwan's presidential election on Saturday, saying it offered a "real opportunity" to improve links with China.

He also called on the two countries to hold direct talks in a bid to reach a peaceful settlement on the status of Taiwan.

"The successful presidential elections in Taiwan today are testament to Taiwan's vibrant democracy," Miliband said in a statement released by the Foreign Office.

"The forthcoming change of administration is a real opportunity to renew efforts to improve cross-strait relations.

"I hope that the Chinese government and the new administration will now engage in direct dialogue to resolve differences and find a peaceful solution to the Taiwan question, acceptable to the populations on both sides of the straits."

Ma, of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), has promised to work for closer ties with Beijing, which claims Taiwan for itself.

The two have had virtually no direct links since Taiwan split from China in 1949 following a civil war. They are separated by the Taiwan Strait.


- AFP/so