Taipei calls for mainland talks

Following the landmark visits by Taiwan's largest opposition parties to the Mainland, Taiwan Premier Frank Hsieh called for direct talks with the Mainland "rather than fight battles … all over the world," a reference to the lopsided race by Beijing and Taipei to win diplomatic recognition globally, the South China Morning Post reported. Hsieh also said President Chen Shui-bian has promised not to push for the creation of a "Republic of Taiwan" before his term ends in 2008.