Another positive step in a continuously improving relations between China and Taiwan. Chinese State media has reported that Chinese and Taiwanese Cabinet officials have spoken for the very first time with the introduction of a new hotline created to establish trust between the two countries.

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The service that went into operation on Wednesday represents an upgrade in relations between the two sides by establishing connection for the leaders of the two agencies that are tasked with improving the relations between both nations: Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council and China's Taiwan Affairs Office.

The agencies were connected into the existing deputy directors communication lines as well as the semi-official link that have been negotiated in a series of agreements..

This initiative is part of the fruits of the historic November meeting held in Singapore between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Taiwanese leader, Ma Ying-jeou. The unexpected event was the first summit between the two leaders since the two sides split in 1949 after a civil war.

Ma Xiaoguang, Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman told reporters in China that the new communication link would help in dealing with important issues and would enhance trust and understanding between the two sides.

"We hope the two authorities will make efforts to maintain and promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations,"said Ma Xiaoguang.

Relations between the sides has improved considerably over the years, especially under the China-friendly policies under Ma Ying-jeou, who became Taiwan's president in 2008. Trade and travel links have been fully re-established, and the economies of both nations have grown intertwined.

TagsChina And Taiwan Officials, Inaugurate Upgrade Hotline Between Sides, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council And China's Taiwan Affairs Office, New Hotline