Taiwan-Based SEF Chairman in Beijing for Talks

Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kun (L) leading a delegation waves as he arrives in Beijing to attend talks with the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) on Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kun (2nd L) shakes hands with Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) Executive Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong (R) after his arrival in Beijing on Wednesday, June 11, 2008.

Chiang Pin-kun, chairman of Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation, with Zheng Lizhong (2nd R), Executive Vice Chairman of mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, waves to well wishers and journalists upon his arrival in Beijing June 11, 2008.

A delegation headed by the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kun arrived in Beijing around 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday to attend talks with the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS).

It will be the first talks between the SEF and ARATS after they resumed contact after a suspension of nine years.

ARATS Executive Vice Chairman Zheng Lizhong welcomed Chiang and other delegates at the airport. ARATS was holding a reception to welcome the Taiwan delegation Wednesday evening.

According to the schedule agreed upon by the two sides, ARATS chairman Chen Yunlin will hold talks with Chiang at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on Thursday morning. The two sides will then hold consultations on cross-Strait weekend charted flights and mainland tourists' traveling to Taiwan.

On June 13, the two sides will sign a related agreement, according to the schedule.

During Chiang's trip in Beijing, he will pay homage to a tomb containing the personal effects of Dr. Sun Yat-sen at the Biyun Temple. He will also visit Olympic venues, such as the National Aquatic Center, better known as the "Water Cube."

The delegation was scheduled to leave Beijing for Taiwan on June 14.

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