CHINA TRIP: The PFP chairman hinted at a possible breakthrough on the idea of `one China' during his trip this week, but denied he was taking a message from the president
By Caroline Hong
He is not a messenger for the government, People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) stressed yesterday, while hinting that he may be looking to redefine the controversial "1992 consensus" during a historic tour of China he is leading that leaves today.

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By Joy Su
Local officials yesterday seemed unimpressed with China's promise that it would send two pandas to Taiwan and make concessions on agricultural trade and tourism, moving instead to revive the standing request to negotiate about the implementation of cross-strait cargo flights.

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REACTION: The TSU said that the DPP's slumping support reflects public dissatisfaction with the government's changeable stance on opposition leaders' visits to China
By Jewel Huang
Worried about its performance in the National Assembly elections, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) held a large campaign rally in Taipei County yesterday evening in a bid to reverse a decline in support seen in a recent poll.

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By Caroline Hong
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) needs its current chairman, Lien Chan (連戰), to serve another term as party leader after his current term expires, KMT Legislator Hou Tsai-feng (侯彩鳳) said yesterday.

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By Rich Chang
In the wake of China's offer on Tuesday to allow more people to visit Taiwan, the National Security Bureau (NSB) yesterday expressed concern about the the security implications of a possible influx of Chinese tourists.

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COMPLAINTS: DPP legislators said constituents are angry about the president's comments on opposition visits to China, and called on him to meet with them
By Ko Shu-ling
Upset with President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) inconsistent remarks about Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan's (連戰) trip to China, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers yesterday called on Chen to conduct talks with them to reach a consensus on cross-strait policies.

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By Jimmy Chuang
In Tuvalu yesterday, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) told Tuvaluans of the importance of uniting and understanding each other, and said that this principle applies to Taiwanese when it comes to domestic affairs, foreign affairs and cross-strait issues.

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LAW AND ORDER: Several DPP legislators, angry at their treatment by police at the airport, threw water bottles and turned over some tables
By Ko Shu-ling
Fifteen Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers damaged a National Police Agency office yesterday in anger over what they called "improper handling" by police during Tuesday's protest at CKS International Airport directed at Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰).

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Taipei City Government will form a task force soon to facilitate its bid to host the two giant pandas that China has offered as gifts to the Taiwanese people, Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) said yesterday.

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TICKET PRICE TAKE-OFF: The nation's aviation body ok'd airfare hikes to as much as 6.9 percent so the industry can cover the skyrocketing price of fuel
The nation's aviation regulator last night approved applications by domestic airlines to raise fares on domestic routes to cover rising fuel costs. The hikes, ranging from 2.7 percent to 6.9 percent, will become effective on June 1.

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: The Garden of Hope Foundation and President Chain Store want to raise NT$15 million to build a shelter for abuse victims
By Mo Yan-chih
Domestic violence against women and children is more than a family matter, and cooperation between government, social groups and members of the community and a strong support network can help victims walk out of the shadow of abuse and rebuild their lives, a women's rights group and a private enterprise said yesterday.

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Department of Health Minister Hou Sheng-mao (侯勝茂) yesterday said the nation's participation in international organizations should not be arranged through other countries and that national dignity was the bottom line in these efforts.

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A retired Taiwanese archbishop said Taiwan would not resist if the Vatican wanted to cut ties so that it could be recognized by China, where millions of Roman Catholics worship illegally, a Hong Kong newspaper reported yesterday.

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■ Elections
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