4th round of cross-Straits talks underway

The Chinese mainland and Taiwan have officially kicked off a new round of cross-Straits talks in the city of Taichung in Taiwan. The two sides are represented by the mainland-based "Association for the Relations across the Taiwan Straits", or ARATS, and the Taiwan-based "Straits Exchange Foundation", also known as SEF. Both the mainland and Taiwan are working together to reach new deals to improve the well-being of the people across the Taiwan Straits.

This is the fourth round of cross-Straits meetings since ARATS and SEF resumed negotiations last June, ending a decade-long suspension.

High on the agenda this time are cooperation on issues like labor in the fishing industry, inspection and quarantine of agricultural products, and taxation.

President of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the  Taiwan Straits (ARATS) Chen Yunlin (L) shakes hands with Chairman of  Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chiang Pin-kung before their  talks in Taichung, Dec. 22, 2009. ARATS President Chen Yunlin and SEF  Chairman Chiang Pin-kung met for the fourth round of talks since  the two sides of the Taiwan Strait resumed negotiations in June last  year following a 10-year suspension.  (Xinhua Photo)