Envoy set for first visit to Taiwan

Beijing's top envoy on Taiwan affairs, who is scheduled to visit the island next week, said yesterday that he is "standing at the crossroads of history".

Chen Yunlin, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), also stressed that he will focus on economic rather than political issues during the visit.

"I am very excited to set foot on the lovely land to fulfill my years of expectations and long-cherished wish," said Chen, 67.