Li Hongmei

Wang Yu-chui, chief of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, departed for the mainland in Tuesday on a four-day visit during which he will exchange views with Zhang Zhijun, head of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, in what will be the first official meeting between the respective heads of cross-strait affairs.

It is widely expected that the meeting represents a milestone in cross-strait ties and it is highly hoped that relations between the sides can enter a new phase that is more mature, stable and rational.

The fact that an official meeting rather than talks between quasi-official bodies has become a reality indicates that the two sides have shown good faith, sincerity and flexibility and have been able to demonstrate mutual trust.

As long as both sides can grasp this historic opportunity, their future relations are likely to scale a new height that will finally benefit the people from either side.

On top of policy issues, Zhang and Wang also touched on political issues in anticipation of a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping and Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou, possibly even at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November this year.

After his meeting with Wang, Zhang plans to visit Taiwan again during the second half of this year. The two sides must see the bigger picture and view problems from a long-term perspective.