Taiwan and China to hold historic summit in Singapore

Xi Jinping (left) and Ma Ying-jeou will discuss stronger ties, Taiwan says

Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Singapore on Saturday – the first ever meeting between leaders of the two sides.

Both said the talks would focus on relations across the Taiwan Straits.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949, when the Nationalist government fled to the island after defeat by the Communists.

However, ties have improved since President Ma took office in 2008.

Analysis: Cindy Sui, BBC News, Taipei

This meeting, less than three months before Taiwan’s elections, is a sign of how concerned China is that the significantly improved ties of recent years could be jeopardised if the pro-independence opposition party’s candidate becomes president. Opinion polls show Tsai Ing-wen is leading – a big worry for Beijing.

Ms Tsai has said she welcomes dialogue with Chinese leaders, but Beijing has refused to meet her, indicating it does not trust her.

She was a minister in charge of developing policy toward mainland China under the previous administration, which angered Beijing by trying to work towards formal independence.

Mr Xi may believe he can sway Taiwanese voters but this could backfire. While some voters who want to maintain stable relations may heed his words, they may offend Taiwanese voters who are already worried that Beijing will have increasing influence over Taiwan if the candidate from President Ma’s party is elected.

And this could hurt, rather than help, the party favoured by Beijing.

The two leaders are expected to handle the meeting in a delicate manner. Mr Ma’s office has emphasised no agreements will be signed and no joint statement will be issued.

BBC