Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=1-5-01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-271058

TITLE=TAIWAN CHINA (L)

BYLINE=JIM RANDLE

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Unofficial talks got underway between China and opposition lawmakers from Taiwan Friday in Beijing on expanding transport and communication links. The meetings follow this week's effort by Taiwan to loosen restrictions on travel between Taiwan and the mainland. V-O-A's Jim Randle reports.

TEXT: Chinese state media described the Taiwanese delegations from the Nationalist (Kuomintang) Party and the New Party as 'pro-reunification' and put their arrival on the front page.

The discussions focused on ending Taiwan's half century ban on direct trade, travel and postal links between the island and the mainland. Those bans have been in place since nationalist troops lost the Chinese civil war and retreated to Taiwan, off the Chinese coast, in 1949.

Taiwan's government is now allowing direct travel by a limited number of people, from a few Taiwan-controlled islands to the mainland. But Beijing complains that only Taiwanese ships are allowed to make the voyages and the measures fall short of the full travel and other economic links Beijing wants.

The opposition Taiwanese delegation, however, does not have any negotiating authority. The unofficial meetings underscore how much Beijing distrusts Taiwan's president, Chen Shui-bian and his traditionally pro-independence party. The mainland has ignored Mr. Chen, since he was elected last year, in favor of the opposition parties it views as more favorable to reunification.

Beijing has threatened to use military force against Taiwan if it declares independence from China or drags its feet on reunification.

Meantime, the top US liaison with Taiwan begins a 10-day visit to the island Saturday. It is envoy Richard Bush's first trip to Taiwan since the American presidential election.

Analysts say they will watch the visit closely for any signs the new American administration is making changes in U-S policy toward this often tense part of the world.

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Mr. Bush heads the American Institute in Taiwan, a semiofficial organization that handles U-S relations with Taiwan. The United States cut official diplomatic ties with Taiwan more than two decades ago when it recognized China. (Signed)

NEB/HK/JR/JO/PLM