Historic visit

Nanjing, China

The leader of Taiwan’s opposition Nationalist Party visited China this week, the first Nationalist leader to do so since 1949, when Communist leader Mao Tse-tung drove Nationalist Chiang Kai-shek from the mainland. “We’re finally taking a historic step forward,” said party chairman Lien Chan. “Let us work hand in hand to achieve the goals of peace and stability.” Back in Taiwan, Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian was not so pleased. Chen has been an outspoken proponent of full Taiwanese independence. China’s invitation to Lien, a political rival of Chen’s who is less confrontational toward the mainland, was intended as a snub to Chen.