Architect of better cross-Straits ties

Koo Chen-fu, late chairman of Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), was the island province's top negotiator with the Chinese mainland.

He is best remembered as a symbol of cross-Straits rapprochement and for arranging the first direct talks between the mainland and Taiwan.

Before emerging as a public figure, promoting cross-Straits ties, Koo had enjoyed decades of success in the corporate world. He was born in 1917 in the island province's third richest landlord family.