China and Taiwan getting closer

From Alejandra Diaz:

Taiwan and China broke off their relations in 1949. Taiwan has an autonomous government and has diplomatic recognition from several states. However, China considers it a dissident province and claims its sovereignty over Taiwan since 1949.

However, lately, a series of approchement have been produced between the two parties, encouraged by the new Taiwanese president, Ma Ying-jeou, who, when in March took up its post, identified as a priority of his government the improvement of relations with Beijing.

Since the President came to power in Taiwan, he has reached a series of agreements in trade and tourism with China, including the permission for up to 3,000 Chinese a year to visit the island.

Meanwhile, opposition parties warn that the policy towards China's President Ma could jeopardize the independence of the island.