Building a bridge across the Straits(海峡)

    On May 3rd, 2005, KMT chairman Lien Chan finished his eight-day visit to the mainland. Only two days later, another Taiwanese leader, James Song (Song Chuyu), visited the mainland again.

    Song is the chairman of the People First Party(亲民党) in Taiwan. On his nine-day trip from May 5th to 13rd, he visited Xi'an, Nanjing, Shanghai and Changsha, as well as Beijing.

    Song, 63, was born in Xiangtan, Hunan Province in 1942. He went to Taiwan with his father at the age of seven.

    On May 9th, Song went back to Xiangtan to sweep his ancestor's(祖先的) tomb.

    He also met President Hu Jintao when he arrived in Beijing on May 11th.

    Song hoped his trip could build a bridge between the two sides. "We are here to build a bridge of trust, understanding and cooperation(合作) between Taiwan and the mainland."    he said. The two parties in Taiwan both agree with the "One China"    policy and are in favor of the final unification(统一) of China.

    Things continue to get better since Lien's visit. Taiwan can now sell more fruit in the mainland. The mainland gave a pair of giant pandas to Taiwan.

    More importantly, mainland people will soon be able to travel to the beautiful island.