Government officials here have said Chen Yunlin, head of the quasi-official Chinese body that handles civil exchanges with Taiwan in the absence of formal relations, is likely to visit the island in the coming weeks for fresh talks.

Ties have improved dramatically since the China-friendly Ma took office earlier this year, pledging to improve business and tourism ties with Beijing, after eight years of strained relations under his predecessor Chen Shui-bian.

"To us, the mainland is a threat and an opportunity as well," Ma said in a speech to a group of military cadets, adding that his job was to reduce that threat.

"The status quo in the Taiwan Strait must be maintained," he said. "To that end, we hope to follow the principle of 'no unification, no independence and no use of force.'"

"War will not break out in the Strait in the next four years. I presented this scenario in the run-up to the presidential vote. Now I'm more confident in this."

No itinerary has been finalised for the China-Taiwan talks, but newspapers here have said they will be held in Taipei late this month or in early November, with the focus on cargo flights and shipping links.

In June, China and Taiwan launched the first regular direct flights between the two sides in nearly six decades.

Trade and travel links between Beijing and Taipei have been severely restricted since the two sides split at the end of a civil war in 1949.

China considers the self-ruled island to be part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.

The pro-independence opposition Democratic Progressive Party is due to hold a mass rally Saturday to protest against the ongoing talks with Beijing and the expected arrival of the Chinese envoy.

Related Links
Taiwan News at SinoDaily.com

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