The hope is that by setting up formal channels of communication, first through tea parties, then by experts negotiating direct trade and transport links, later perhaps by presidents swapping visits, a Cold War-era flashpoint will lose its hair trigger. Koo's visit was partly the result of pressure from Washington. As much as anything, it reflected an improvement in China-U.S. ties, diplomats said. Taiwan, which wants only talks on practical issues like fishing rights, has not ruled out a discussion on political matters as well. But Koo's visit did little to narrow deep-seated differences, or remove an ocean of mistrust.
China still views Taiwan as a renegade province.
Beijing viewed Taiwan President Lee's private visit to the United States as a grab for independence. The following year, China held threatening war games and lobbed missiles into waters around Taiwan ahead of presidential elections on the island. Two U.S. aircraft carrier groups steamed towards Taiwan to offer protection. Koo and Wang, meeting in the genteel surroundings of the ballroom of a Shanghai art deco hotel, represented seemingly irreconcilable forces. The overriding concern of Taiwan's 21 million people is to preserve their thriving democracy, open society and free-market economy.