Wider road to peace: Chen

Chen Yunlin, President of the Beijing-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS), arrived at central Taichung City's Chingchuangan (Clear Spring Hill) Airport, which still serves as one of Taiwan's key air force bases, around noon yesterday.

Vice Chairman Kao Koong-lian of Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and other officials were on hand to welcome Chen, his wife and a large delegation at the airport.

“History has proved and will prove that the two sides of the strait are marching ahead on the right path,” Chen said

Chen acknowledged the progress the sides have already made, and said he hopes that further gains can be made.

“We want to move down the road of peace and the path will become wider and wider,” he said.

Chen and his group moved to the hotel in Taichung while pro-independence supporters organized by the main opposition Democratic Progressive Party were kept at bay by police who were assigned to maintain order.

He smiled and waved to both groups gathered on streets to welcome his arrival and stage demonstrations, including those from the Falung Gong group who protested against China's oppression of their brethren on the Chinese mainland.

Chen said the agreements already inked by Taipei and Beijing have directly and indirectly generate benefits for more people.

At a welcoming reception hosted by SEF Chairman P.K. Chiang, Chen said the ARATS and SEF will begin the new talks on an equal basis this week.

He expects the new pacts that will be signed this week will help expand the benefits to an even greater number of people, Chen said.

Chen praised the warm hospitality and tolerance shown by residents in Taichung.

With no intention to shun the protests, Chen said he respects the rights of different people to express their different opinions.

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