Chinese missiles key to Taiwan talks

TAIPEI, Taiwan, June 6 (UPI) -- Taiwan will demand China withdraw ballistic missiles aimed at it before continuing peace talks, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou says.

Ma told The Yomiuri Shimbun in an exclusive interview he hopes to work on economic issues, and then start peace talks with China with an eye toward a peace treaty when they meet next month.

"In order to fully reconcile with each other, we should hold peace talks on both sides (of the Taiwan Strait)," Ma said. "In that case, prior to the talks, I would demand the withdrawal of the missiles or some other way to remove the threat."

It was the first time Ma referred to China's missiles and their removal since he took office May 20.

Ma and Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed in a meeting last week to resume cross-strait talks that were last held in 1999.

Ma, 57, said he was confident the upcoming talks would lead to establishing weekend charter flights between Taiwan and China, opening up Taiwan to Chinese tourists and allowing yuan currency exchanges on the island beginning in July.

He also expressed confidence that daily direct flights will be in operation by the end of the year.

Regarding Taiwan's bid to join the World Trade Organization and other international bodies, Ma implied his policy would be to apply under a name that would be acceptable for China. One possible name is "Chinese Taipei," he said.