Taiwan official flies to Beijing
( 2001-05-08 13:51 ) (9 )

Former Taiwan "premier" Vincent Siew flew to Beijing on Tuesday to try to win mainland leaders over to his idea of establishing a regional common market as part of reconciliation efforts.

"I feel we need to let economic and trade ties between the two sides build a long-term, stable mechanism. This mechanism is a common market," Siew, who stepped down as "premier" last May, told reporters shortly before boarding a plane for Macao en route to Beijing.

"There still exists too many unnecessary risks and uncertainties," Siew said.

Despite political tensions, Taiwan investors have poured US$50 billion into mainland since rapprochement began in the late 1980s, lured by low land and labour costs as well as a common language and culture.

Siew, the second vice-chairman of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party to set foot in China in less than six months, plans to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen through May 16.

He said he was neither representing the Taiwan government nor would he relay any messages on behalf of the administration of Taiwan ``president'' Chen Shui-bian, who swept to power in elections last year ending more than five decades of Nationalist rule.

Ties between Taiwan and the mainland became touchier after US President George W. Bush agreed last month to arm the tiny island with submarines and destroyers.