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BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has invited Taiwan to hold "big-issue" talks on establishing direct transport links and signing a peace agreement, state media reported Monday.
Wen, who was speaking to reporters during a visit to Laos, extended the invitation in his first public remarks on Taiwan after the more China-friendly of two presidential candidates won an election on the island this month.
"(What we can talk about) include big issues, such as the implementation of the Three Links and the end of cross-strait hostility by reaching a peace agreement," Wen was quoted as saying by China National Radio's website.
The "Three Links" refer to direct transport, trade and postal links, something that has not yet materialised because of continuing tensions between the two sides which split after a civil war in 1949.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory, and has vowed to aim for eventual reunification, even if it means war.
The Chinese premier said talks should take place on the basis of the so-called "1992 consensus" which lets both parties agree there is only one China, but leaves the precise definition of the term to each.
Observers said Wen's remarks were significant due to their timing, after the landslide victory in Taiwan's presidential election for opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou.
"This is certainly an attempt to improve the atmosphere. It's a soft approach to try to initiate political negotiations," said Joseph Cheng, a China watcher at City University of Hong Kong.
However, momentum in the talks is likely to be impacted by the fact that the two sides would want something very different from the negotiations, he argued.
"Ma Ying-jeou is not interested in negotiations leading to reunification. He just wants tactical agenda items, especially the 'Three Links', Chinese tourism and investment in Taiwan," said Cheng.
"Successful outcomes of these talks would benefit his administration. He is delivering to the people of Taiwan." - AFP/ac
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