Fourth cross-strait talks to begin

Chinese mainland's chief negotiator for Taiwan affairs, Chen Yunlin, has arrived on the island for a fresh round of talks with his Taiwanese counterpart, Chiang Ping-Kung. Chen Yunlin was warmly welcomed upon his arrival.

President of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, Chen Yunlin, arrived in Taichung on Monday. He was welcomed by Chiang Ping-Kung, chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Chiang said that the cross-Strait talks are based on equality and mutual trust, and are an ideal platform to boost cross-Strait economic cooperation.

Chiang Ping-kung, Chairman of Straits Exchange Foundation said "We have already arranged many exchange activities. We are building a bridge for entrepreneurs from across the Strait to explore business opportunities and expand cooperation."

Chen Yunlin expressed his special appreciation to the mayor of Taichung and its residents, because Taichung is the place where the talks will be held. He also stressed that the talks are for the benefit of people from both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Chen Yunlin, ARATS President said "We have signed a series of deals which are good for the economic development of both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, as well as the welfare of people from across the Strait."

The meeting between Chen Yunlin and Chiang Ping-kung is scheduled for Tuesday. The two concluded their preliminary discussions on Monday. Topics on labor cooperation in the fishing industry, and cooperation in the inspection and quarantine of agricultural products, are high on the agenda.