China confident of security during visit to Taiwan

Chen Yunlin, head of Beijing's semiofficial Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait, will visit Taiwan from Dec. 21 to 25 for a fourth round of talks to discuss economic cooperation and improving cross-strait relations, spokeswoman Fan Liqing told a news conference.

Chen last visit to the self-governing island about a year ago was marked by chaos as protesters clashed with police and laid siege to Chen's hotel in the island's capital of Taipei.

"We believe Taiwan will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our delegation during their visit," said Fan.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party, which favors Taiwan's formal independence from China, has warned of more protests when Chen visits the central city of Taichung on Monday.

At the meeting, the two sides are expected to discuss issues related to a wide-ranging trade agreement Taiwan hopes will be completed by the end of next year.

Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949, but Beijing continues to claim the island as part of its territory.

Tensions have been reduced significantly since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office 16 months ago. Ma has moved to improve China ties aggressively in the hope of boosting Taiwan's sluggish economy.

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