Taiwan likely to lift ban on Chinese tourists

TAIPEI, Apr 13 (Reuters) Taiwan's independence-leaning government said today it may lift a ban on visits by Chinese tourists to the island, a move that could trump an opposition delegation's talks in Beijing this weekend.

''Even if (China) continues to stall negotiations with us, we do not rule out the possibility of unilaterally lifting the ban on mainland tourists coming to Taiwan,'' Mainland Affairs Council Chairman Joseph Wu told reporters.

His announcement came as an opposition delegation left for Beijing to discuss a slew of economic issues at a meeting that underscores the determination of China's ruling Communist Party to sideline Taiwan's government.

The delegation of more than 100 businessmen and politicians from the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT), or Nationalist Party, will hold talks on direct flights and tourist visits from the mainland at a two-day forum opening on Friday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao will meet KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan for a second time on Sunday, days before Hu flies to Washington, where he is expected to seek words of support for China's stance on Taiwan.

The mainland council's Wu said the government may lift the tourist ban if Beijing offers a comprehensive plan at the forum. Previously, Taipei had said talks must take place before any opening.

Wu said the government still wanted China to discuss the issue, but would not insist on talks as a precondition for opening the door to mainland tourists.

China, which considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory, has refused to deal with President Chen Shui-bian, whose Democratic Progressive Party champions an independent Taiwan identity.

Taiwan and China have not been on speaking terms since 1999, when then-president Lee Teng-hui angered Beijing by defining bilateral ties as between ''special state to state''.

REUTERS SY SP1058