BEIJING — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said today that Beijing is ready to hold talks with Taiwan on political and military issues aimed at ending hostility with the rival island.
In a work report he delivered 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.
“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.
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 markedly since Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May with a mandate to reduce tensions.
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.
Wen Jiabao also was slated to offer a stimulus package, the second since November.
