CPC, KMT exchange on course

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The recent visit to the mainland by KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung could be considered almost routine in light of recent improvements in Cross Straits relations.

However, Wu Poh-hsiung's meeting with CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao is attracting widespread interest as the two party leaders drafted plans for future cross-Strait development.

The second meeting of the two party chiefs was noted as promoting ties "from a new starting point." Cross-Strait relations witnesses unprecedented development since the KMT took power in Taiwan region a year ago. The change in the local government resulted in the first formal dialogue between the two in nine years. The discussions quickly reached agreements and consensus to promote tourism, trade, investment and legal cooperation. Analysts say the focus of the latest party chiefs' meeting is on keeping this momentum.

Wang Jianmin,research fellow of Taiwan Institute, CASS, said"The importance of the meeting lies on continuity rather than being groundbreaking. Exchanges between the CPC and KMT have become an important track for cross-Strait development. Both sides agree that party to party dialogue should be further institutionalized."

The dialogue has resulted in nearly 80 favorable policies directed toward Taiwan residents. Both sides have agreed to promote an economic cooperation framework. This has been particularly important to Taiwan because the island's economy shrank 10 percent in the first quarter of this year, the worst on record. But the scope of talks does not end with economic issues.