China - Taiwan: new variants of connection

China's campaign to woo &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/usa/2001/04/25/4219.html ' target=_blank>Taiwan away from declaring independence took another turn yesterday with an offer of two giant pandas to mark the first meeting of the leaders of the Communist party and its historic foe, the Kuomintang, since the civil war ended in 1949.

The "panda diplomacy" - for China, they represent the country's ultimate gift - was part of a charm offensive that also included an easing of restrictions on tourism and agricultural imports, designed to bolster support for Lien Chan, head of Taiwan's main opposition party.

It followed a groundbreaking trip to the mainland by Mr Lien, whose &to=http:// english.pravda.ru/main/2002/05/17/28919_.html ' target=_blank>Kuomintang party retreated to Taiwan from the mainland 56 years ago, reports the Guardian Unlimited.