TAIPEI (AFP) - The presidential candidate for Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Sunday Taipei and Beijing must face each other as equals if they are to negotiate on direct transport links.
"I would like the three direct links" with China -- transportation, commercial and postal services, which have been cut since Taiwan and China split in 1949 at the end of a civil war -- said Frank Hsieh, a former premier whom the DPP nominated to run in the 2008 presidential race.
"However, any such talks must be staged on the pre-condition of equity and dignity," Hsieh said while visiting the southern city of Kaohsiung.
"Otherwise, the three links could have been done anytime," he said, referring to Taipei's fears of being relegated into a local government in any rapprochement talks with Beijing.