Cross-Strait talks conclude with results achieved

Negotiators from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan have concluded their latest round of talks in the city of Taichung, in central Taiwan. The two sides have been represented by the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, or ARATS, and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation, also known as SEF.

Chen Yunlin, president of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), speaks during the banquet held by ARATS, in Taichung of southeast China's Taiwan, Dec. 22, 2009. The ARATS held the banquet to express its thanks to the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange  Foundation (SEF)and the people who had worked for the talks between the two organizations.(Xinhua/Yuan Man)

It is the fourth round of talks since ARATS and SEF resumed negotiations in June 2008. The negotiations had previously been suspended for about a decade.

ARATS President Chen Yunlin said the talks have yielded positive economic and social benefits for both sides.

ARATS president Chen Yunlin said, "Most of the agreements reached in previous meetings are related to aspects of the economy and trade. They have significance to thousands of middle and small enterprises. And the effects will benefit people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Looking back to the results that have been achieved, we note what we have done, and we will continue to do more for people from across the Strait."