Taiwan's mainland affairs chief speaks of 'good beginning'

Taiwan's mainland affairs chief Wang Yu-chi said Friday that his four-day visit to the Chinese mainland was a "good beginning." The visit was an important milestone in cross-Strait relations, Wang told a press conference in Taipei after he returned to the island. During his visit, Wang held his first formal meeting with his mainland counterpart Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office. Wang said that the visit improved mutual understanding, although one visit was not enough to achieve all goals. He said that efforts will be made to further institutionalize cross-Strait ties, in a bid to achieve perpetual peace and stability. Wang, heading a delegation of more than 20 people, visited Nanjing and Shanghai.