Some straight talk

Yesterday's meeting between Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Taiwan's Kuomintang Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung is the most significant event in cross-Straits relations so far this year.

It served not only to strengthen mutual trust between the two parties, but also added ballast to the momentum of cross-Straits economic and trade ties.

Since the election of Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou a year ago, the relationship has been enriched by the realization of direct shipping, flights, postal services, and two-way investment and travel across the Straits.