Top PRC official for HK affairs in Taiwan for visit

China's top official dealing with Hong Kong-Taiwan affairs is undertaking a low-profile visit to the island, officials confirmed yesterday.

Xin Kuishan (邢魁山), head of the Taiwan affairs department under the Chinese State Council's Hong Kong office, arrived Tuesday but his presence was kept under wraps for the first two days of the trip.

Taipei was happy to receive the official, hoping the visit would boost Taiwan-Hong Kong relations, officials here said.

"We are optimistic about the visit. We believe visits and exchanges can enhance understanding," said Lin Chong-pin (林中斌), vice chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, which charts Taiwan's China policy.

"Taipei-Hong Kong relations are moving in a positive direction and the visit is significant in this aspect."

Xin met on Wednesday with Chen Ming-tung (陳明通), another vice chairman of the council, as well as several legislators from the ruling DPP.

Chen has tried to tone down the political significance of the meeting, saying yesterday: "I just went there to make new friends and meet old friends. We did not talk about politics."

However, a local newspaper disagreed, saying Xin's visit had "opened a new level of exchange," between the two nations.

Relations between Taiwan and Hong Kong improved this year after the territory's administration accepted Taipei's new envoy Chang Liang-jen (張良任).

Hong Kong's government extended warm hospitality to Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) during his visit there. Additionally, Hong Kong has allowed Taiwan to open an office at the territory's new airport, thus providing ROC passport holders easier access to (semi-official) government services.

In return for Hong Kong's friendly gestures, Taiwan has simplified entry procedures for Hong Kong residents by granting them 14-day visas on arrival in Taiwan.