In a work report he delivered Thursday at the opening of the annual session of parliament, Wen cheered a significant improvement in ties and a major reduction in tensions over the past year with Taiwan. [break]
"Positive changes occurred in the situation in Taiwan, and major breakthroughs were made in cross-strait relations," Wen said.
Wen did not give details on what the talks on political and military issues would include, but the tone of his remarks were much more conciliatory than previous remarks on Taiwan at meetings of the National People´s Congress.
Taiwan and China split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing still claims the island as part of its territory and says it is intent on eventual unification — by persuasion if possible, by force if necessary.
Relations have improved dramatically since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May with a mandate to reduce tensions.
The island of 23 million people wants to continue its de facto independence — and its hard-won democratic freedoms — indefinitely, and Ma has insisted that discussions on Taiwan´s final status won´t happen during his presidency. However, he has pushed for closer economic ties with Beijing, and a greater participation by Taiwan in international affairs.
Wen pointed to increased contacts, particularly in the economic and financial fields. Late last month, officials said Taiwan and China will sign agreements to collaborate on finance and reducing crime.
Wen also reiterated points made by President Hu Jintao, in a recent address directed to the Taiwanese public, that floated the possibility of permitting Taiwan a greater degree of participation in international organizations subject to Beijing´s conditions as well as talks on a political solution to their long-standing rivalry.
"We are also ready to hold talks on cross-strait political and military issues and create conditions for ending a state of hostility and concluding a peace agreement," Wen said.
"We are convinced that, with the concerted efforts of the people on both sides of the straits, we will achieve complete reunification of the motherland and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people."
Wen´s speech comes a day after China said it planned a 14.9 percent increase in defense spending this year. The additional funding would go toward boosting salaries and benefits for China´s 2.3 million-strong military force, the world´s largest.
Much of the military spending is focused on Taiwan, with bases and missiles deployed in areas facing the island.
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