The president-elect of Taiwan, Ma Ying-jeou expressed Today (April 14), Hong Kong residents could soon be traveling visa-free to Taiwan, also he would name former economics minister Chiang Pin-kung as Taiwan chief negotiator in dealing with China.

Ma Ying-jeou revealed Hong Kong residents could soon be traveling visa-free to Taiwan as he met with the media of Hong Kong and Macau with vice president-elect Vincent Siew Wan- chang in Taipei yesterday. He hopes the relations between Taiwan and HK on both non-government and government circles levels can be closer in future, it includes inviting the Hong Kong government to set up an office in Taiwan.

For improving the relationship with China, Ma said the landmark Hu-Siew meeting last week has started to thaw relations across the strait and that he hoped both sides can continue to develop economically and culturally. He would also name former economic minister, Chiang Pin-kung as Taiwan chief negotiator in dealing with China to improve the relationship, Chiang will head the semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation.

Further more, Ma says will have to consider resume the negotiation mechanism for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits through the SEF and the mainland Association. He also wants to sign a peace treaty with Beijing but cautions he is not prepared to discuss unification with China during his presidency.

The iceberg is quite large. We don't want to melt the iceberg too quickly, otherwise it will flood. It takes wisdom and perseverance to melt the ice. It still has a long way to go, added Ma

China Free