AsiaInt Weekly Alert, 22 April 2005

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http://www.asiaint.com/arl/arl5976.asp - 598 words

China is eager to take advantage of the enthusiasm among opposition politicians in Taiwan to visit the mainland, seeing it as the best way to circumvent the government of President Chen Shui-bian and to promote the idea of eventual reunification. Following the successful trip in March by the opposition Nationalist Party (Kuomintang or KMT) vice-chairman, Chiang Pin-kung, KMT leader Lien Chan is also planning a visit, while Beijing has also invited James Soong, the chairman of the KMT's coalition partner, the People First Party (PFP), to come over. Chen's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is understandably incensed_