China is promoting a high-ranking official to its Taiwan Affairs Office who will likely be better able to handle relations with the island that has been resisting Chinese demands to unify for five decades, a pro-Beijing newspaper reported yesterday.
The new official, Zheng Lizhong (
The majority of Taiwanese migrated to the island from Fujian over the past few centuries. They also speak the Hoklo dialect popular in Fujian and share customs that are different from those in northern China.
Zheng, expected to assume his new duties this month, would be the first Fujian native to hold such a high-ranking position in the Taiwan Affairs Office, said the paper, which is close to the Communist government. He is currently the Communist Party secretary in Xiamen -- the top leadership post in Fujian city.
"It's a good thing that a Fujianese will be dealing with Taiwan affairs," the paper said, adding that experts have been urging Beijing to let "Fujianese enter the Taiwan Affairs Office."
The 54-year-old Zheng has spent much of his career in government in Fujian -- one of the biggest targets for Taiwanese investment in China.
Zheng kept close ties with Taiwanese businessmen and "is very familiar with the Taiwan situation and the thoughts and desires of Taiwanese compatriots," the paper said.
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