Chinese envoy arrives in Taiwan for economic talks

Taipei: The highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Taiwan since the two sides split nearly six decades ago arrived Monday for economic talks he said were crucial for building trust between the longtime rivals.

The five-day trip by Chen Yunlin began amid tight security. Thousands of police guarded the airport and security forces erected tall barbed-wire barricades at Chen's hotel with large nets to block eggs and other items thrown by protesters.

Chen's visit is seen as the result of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's efforts since taking office in May to improve ties across the Taiwan Strait and end decades of political rivalry.

The two sides have been separated since the Communists won a bloody civil war and took over the mainland in 1949. China has long threatened to attack if Taiwan refuses to unify and seeks formal independence.

A black limousine escorted by police took Chen from the airport to the landmark Grand Hotel, where he spoke briefly in the lobby.

An enclave of Brazilians is testing insular Japan "I am bringing the goodwill wishes to Taiwan's 23 million compatriots from the mainland's 1.3 billion people," he said. "This visit has not come easily. Only through talks can we build trust and only through cooperation can we create a win-win economic situation."

Although many Taiwanese welcome the ease in tensions between the two sides, some fear the talks may pave the way for a Communist takeover of the island, 100 miles off the mainland's southeastern coast.

Pro-independence supporters and other activists immediately began protesting Chen's visit. A convoy of about two dozen taxis cruised through the streets, honking their horns and shouting anti-China slogans through loudspeakers.

About 50 followers of Falun Gong, a spiritual group banned on the mainland, practiced their meditation exercises outside a skyscraper where Chen had dinner.

Chen, who heads the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, is to hold talks with his Taiwanese counterpart Chiang Pin-kung on cementing closer economic ties, especially transport links.

Chiang called Chen's visit "a historic moment in cross-Strait exchanges."

Before Chen's arrival at the hotel, police dispersed a small group of protesters who unfurled a banner reading "Bandit Chen Yunlin Get Out" from the hotel's 7th floor.

A pro-independence group, Taiwan Society North, has offered cash rewards for protesters who hit Chen with eggs.