Panda pair among gifts for Taiwan
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-05-09 09:04

Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan was showered with gifts from the mainland, including the offer of two giant pandas, as he wrapped up his eight-day mainland visit Tuesday.

China's major news portals like Sina and Sohu have collected names from netizens for two giant pandas that may be shipped to Taiwan as a gift from the Mainland. [baidu]

The mainland also announced it would lift the ban on tourists visiting Taiwan and remove tariffs on more than 10 of the province's fruits.

Lien immediately welcomed the moves, saying they will significantly improve cross-Straits relations.

Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the announcement just hours before Lien completed his historic visit.

Chen formally announced the decision to present a pair of giant pandas to Taiwan compatriots as a symbol of peace, unity and friendship following weeks of media speculation.

"We hope the pandas, with their placid nature, air of nobleness and cuddly appearance will bring joy and laughter to Taiwan compatriots, especially children," he said.

Deputy director of the Taiwan Work Office Wang Zaixi told a Beijing press conference the offer of giant pandas aimed to "demonstrate the mainland compatriots' friendship towards Taiwan."

Lien's daughter Lien Hui-hsin said she, like most people in Taiwan, had never seen a giant panda.

"We certainly hope to see pandas in Taiwan soon," she said.

Chen also announced Tuesday that relevant departments on the mainland would soon allow mainland residents to travel to Taiwan as tourists.

Meanwhile, the mainland would increase the number of fruits allowed to be imported from the island from 12 to 18.

Tariffs levied on more than 10 fruits would be lifted, said Chen.

"The mainland is ready to provide convenience in terms of going through customs, inspection and quarantine for Taiwan fruit to access the mainland market," Chen said.

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