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China Defense Minister Lauds Positive Changes in Taiwan

hina's defense minister says Taiwan's domestic situation has undergone "positive changes," in a notable softening of rhetoric reflecting satisfaction with the election of Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou.

     In an address on the eve of Friday's Army Day, Liang Guanglie reiterated Beijing's goal of political unification with the self-governing island that it claims is an integral part of Chinese territory.

     But his comments were free of the bellicose tone that has sometimes characterized Beijing's pronouncements toward Taiwan, which has refused Beijing's unification advances since splitting from the mainland amid civil war in 1949.

     "The Taiwan situation has undergone positive changes. The development of relations between the two sides faces a rare historical opportunity," Liang said.

     Since taking office in May, Taiwanese President Ma has approved the first weekend direct flights in almost 60 years, opened Taiwan to mainland Chinese tourists and relaxed investment restrictions, bringing about a watershed change in relations that were often severely strained under his predecessor, Chen Shui-bian.

     In July, the two sides restarted formal talks that were suspended in 1999, signing a raft of agreements and pledging increased cooperation in the future.

     Despite the progress, the sides remain far apart in the military and political spheres, with China's 2.3 million-member People's Liberation Army continuing a massive upgrade aimed in part at preparing for a conflict over Taiwan if the island seeks permanent independence.

     Beijing also fiercely opposes Taiwan's close ties with the United States, as well as its desire for diplomatic recognition and participation in the United Nations and other international bodies.

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