2005 Pan-Blue visits to mainland China

In 2004, the KMT first proposed that the former president candidate Lien Chan would visit mainland China as the elected President of the Republic of China, but this was set aside as Lien failed to win the 2004 ROC presidential election. In 2005, the KMT suggested initially sending the vice chairman of the party to mainland China, with further visits to follow. This plan was followed through on March 28, when Vice Chairman Chiang Pin-kung led his delegation to mainland China.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/03/28/2003248069 | title=KMT delegation travels to China for historic visit | work=Taipei Times | date=March 28, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | last=Hong | first=Caroline | archive-date=November 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105010358/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/03/28/2003248069 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/03/28/60250/First-official.htm | title=First official KMT team to depart for mainland today | work=The China Post | date=March 28, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 5, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105010441/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/03/28/60250/First-official.htm | url-status=live }}

As part of the "ice-breaking tour", Chiang started his trip in Guangzhou to visit the graves of dozens of KMT members who died during an uprising against the Qing dynasty in 1911.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/03/30/60346/China-hails.htm | title=China hails KMT visit as positive for cross-strait links | work=The China Post | date=March 30, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Lim, Benjamin Kang | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034721/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/03/30/60346/China-hails.htm | url-status=live }} On the morning of March 30, the delegation visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, then headed for Beijing to meet with CPPCC chairman Jia Qinglin. At the meeting, Jia conveyed Hu Jintao's invitation for Lien to Chiang.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/01/60447/China-calls.htm | title=China calls for dialogue with Taiwan | work=The China Post | date=April 1, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Lim, Benjamin Kang | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034849/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/01/60447/China-calls.htm | url-status=live }} On April 1, Lien accepted the invitation at the Aichi Expo 2005.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/02/2003248729 | title=KMT confirms Lien plans China trip | work=Taipei Times | date=April 2, 2005 | agency=CNA | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Hong, Caroline | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024550/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/02/2003248729 | url-status=live }}

Lien Chan and his 70-member delegation departed Taipei for Hong Kong on April 26, starting the 8-day "journey of peace"{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/21/2003251329 | title=KMT unveils details of Lien Chan's trip | work=Taipei Times | date=April 21, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | last=Hong | first=Caroline | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024536/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/21/2003251329 | url-status=live }} which the mainland Chinese media referred to as a "visit."{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/27/content_437774.htm | title=Lien Chan starts historic trip to mainland | work=China Daily | date=April 27, 2005 | access-date=November 1, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042419/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/27/content_437774.htm | url-status=live }} The Chinese media changed the airport name from "Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport" to "Taoyuan airport" to avoid mentioning the name of former leader of KMT and the late President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/26/content_437610.htm | title=Bon voyage: Lien leaves Taiwan for mainland | work=China Daily | date=April 26, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042430/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/26/content_437610.htm | url-status=live }}

On that morning, about a thousand people gathered at the Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, and violent conflict broke out among the supporters and opponents of the tour, resulting in many injuries.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/27/61624/Premier-and.htm | title=Premier and others condemn violence at airport | work=The China Post | date=April 27, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034718/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/27/61624/Premier-and.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/27/2003252143 | title='Journey of Peace' starts violently | work=Taipei Times | date=April 27, 2005 | agency=CNA | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Ko, Shu-ling | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024533/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/27/2003252143 | url-status=live }}

Some Pan-Green supporters illegally brought guandao, beer bottles, stones, eggs, firecrackers, clubs, and sharpened sugarcanes into the terminals{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/27/2003252166 | title=Pan-blues urge probe of clashes | work=Taipei Times | date=April 27, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Chuang, Jimmy | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030510/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/27/2003252166 | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20050427_2.htm | title=The Big Brawl in Taipei | publisher=東南西北 EastSouthWestNorth | date=April 27, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Soong, Roland | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001027/http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20050427_2.htm | url-status=live }} and started beating Pan-Blue supporters and the police, throwing stones and setting off firecrackers in the meantime. Many members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), and the Taiwan Independence Party were arrested, along with the host of a political talk show.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/29/2003252408 | title=Emotions run high amid investigation of protests | work=Taipei Times | date=April 29, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Ko, Shu-ling | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030507/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/29/2003252408 | url-status=live }}

Pan-Blue supporters fought back, swearing "an eye for an eye". There were suspected Triad members clad in black{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/28/2003252285 | title=DPP apologizes for airport violence | work=Taipei Times | date=April 28, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Ko, Shu-ling | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030400/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/28/2003252285 | url-status=live }} in the mob, picking on Pan-Green's supporters, causing many to be hospitalized. The New Party chairman Yok Mu-ming was arrested, along with other people in the Pan-Blue Coalition.

Outside the airport, a few taxis attempted to blockade the highway, preventing Lien from reaching the airport, but they were repelled by the motorcade's police escort. Taiwan independence advocate Su Beng and pan-Green supporters lit firecrackers in front of the terminal, but were not arrested.

Lien avoided the trouble entirely having been taken into the airport via a VIP entrance.

Because the Aviation Police Office of Taiwan proved inept in handling the riot, its director, Chen Jui-tien was dismissed that evening.{{cite news | url=http://english.sina.com/taiwan_hk/p/1/2005/0427/29263.html | title=Taiwan's airport police chief replaced after violence | work=Sina English | date=April 27, 2005 | agency=AP | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author= | archive-date=March 4, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060141/http://english.sina.com/taiwan_hk/p/1/2005/0427/29263.html | url-status=live }} The Minister of the Interior, Su Jia-chyuan offered to resign, but the offer was rejected by Premier Frank Hsieh.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/29/2003252407 | title=Premier rejects interior minister's resignation offer | work=Taipei Times | date=April 29, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Chuang, Jimmy | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030504/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/29/2003252407 | url-status=live }}

On the Internet, teenagers parodied the event with a mock Dynasty Warriors battle.

Image:LienChan and LienFangYu.jpg and his wife, Lien Fang Yu,{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252820 | title=Lien visits the grave of his grandmother | work=Taipei Times | date=May 2, 2005 | agency=CNA | access-date=November 18, 2014 | last=Hong | first=Caroline | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024548/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252820 | url-status=live }} in Nanjing]]

The delegation transferred onto China Eastern Airlines to Nanjing in Hong Kong, where they were greeted by the PRC Liaison Office of Hong Kong.

Lien and the delegation arrived at Nanjing Lukou International Airport on April 26, at 16:40. Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council head Chen Yunlin was at the airport to welcome the delegation.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/27/content_437678.htm | title=KMT leader lands in Nanjing after a 56-year absence | work=China Daily | date=April 27, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | location= | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924065500/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/27/content_437678.htm | url-status=live }} One of Lien's aides, Joanna Lai, quipped "It would have taken just two and half hours from Taipei to Nanjing by direct flight, but we took 50-60 years."{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438262.htm | title=Lien's historic trip evokes rich memories | work=China Daily | date=April 28, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Zhou, Liming | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042406/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438262.htm | url-status=live }} Lien echoed the sentiment in a short speech upon arrival, saying "Taipei and Nanjing are not too distant, but it still took 60 years to come here. It certainly took too long to make the journey."{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/27/2003252144 | title=Lein Chan arrives in Nanjing, gets a warm welcome from Communists | work=Taipei Times | date=April 27, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030301/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/27/2003252144 | url-status=live }} That night he attended a banquet hosted by the leader of the Jiangsu provincial government and lodged at the Jinling Hotel.

On April 27, the delegation visited the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where Lien burnt incense for the former president surrounded by the general public and press reporters. Lien quoted Sun Yat-Sen's last words "peace, struggle, save China" to promote a healthy relationship across the strait. Lien was the first KMT chairman to visit the mausoleum for 56 years.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438131.htm | title=Lien Chan vows to follow in Sun's footsteps | work=China Daily | date=April 28, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Xing, Zhigang | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042409/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438131.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/28/61669/Well-wishers-idolize.htm | title=Well-wishers idolize Lien in Nanjing | work=The China Post | date=April 28, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034912/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/28/61669/Well-wishers-idolize.htm | url-status=live }}

On the same day, Lien visited the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the former Republic of China Presidential Palace, Tianfei Gong, and the Fuzi Miao (Shrine of Confucius).

On the morning of April 28, Lien left Nanjing for Beijing.

In the afternoon of April 28, Lien and the delegation arrived in the Beijing Capital International Airport, where he delivered another speech.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438291.htm | title=Lien: Peaceful, win-win future 'common aspiration' | work=China Daily | date=April 28, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042437/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438291.htm | url-status=live }} Then he attended a conference with the Taiwan Affairs Office in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Later, the delegation visited the Forbidden City. Lien met the CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin at the Great Hall of the People, and then watched a traditional Beijing opera performance.

On April 29, Lien gave a speech and answered questions from students and faculty in Peking University. The speech called for a 'win-win' future of cooperation and peace, praising both Deng Xiaoping and Chiang Ching-kuo as having made pivotal decisions that led to economic growth.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438770.htm | title=Lien calls to promote peace | work=China Daily | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Xing, Zhigang | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042414/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438770.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61762/Lien-calls.htm | title=Lien calls for peace, 'win-win' future for China | work=The China Post | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129041039/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61762/Lien-calls.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/30/2003252552 | title=KMT, communists should work together, Lien tells Peking University students | work=Taipei Times | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Hong, Caroline | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030356/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/30/2003252552 | url-status=live }}

In the speech, he also mentioned that both Hu Shih and former National Taiwan University president Fu Sinian had graduated from Peking University, then worked at Taiwan University and spread liberalism there. "Therefore, in terms of liberalism, both Peking University and Taiwan University are born from the same root. Especially in mainland China, it can be said that it's a bastion of freedom." But a proportion of Taiwanese students disagreed, saying both Hu and Fu were fierce opponents of communism in favor of freedom of education, and thus the two universities can't be compared, and protested outside the front gate.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}}

Lien then toured the university, and visited the dormitory where his mother once lived. At 15:00, Lien met Hu Jintao in the Great Hall of the People, marking a historical meeting between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang, the first since 1945.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/29/content_438675.htm | title=HISTORIC MOMENT: Hu, Lien meet in Beijing | work=China Daily | date=April 29, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042433/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/29/content_438675.htm | url-status=live }} After 17:30, Lien held a press conference, and listed the five points of compromise settled upon by the two parties following the conference:{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/29/content_438686.htm | title=CPC, KMT work for formal end of cross-Straits hostility | work=China Daily | date=April 29, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042416/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/29/content_438686.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61760/Hu-Lien.htm | title=Hu, Lien vow to work to end cross-strait hostilities | work=The China Post | date=April 30, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034855/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61760/Hu-Lien.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/30/2003252532 | title=Lien, Hu share 'vision' for peace | work=Taipei Times | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Hong, Caroline | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030259/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/30/2003252532 | url-status=live }}

1. On the premise of acknowledging the 1992 Consensus, encourage the reopening of talks across the strait;
2. Encourage an end to hostilities, and establish peace;
3. Encourage cooperation in economic exchange and crime fighting, push for two-way direct flights across the strait, Three Links, and agricultural exchange;
4. Encourage talks regarding increasing Taiwan's international role; and
5. Establish a platform of communication between the two parties.

That evening, Lien changed his plan for the night and met with Hu Jintao again. Reportedly, Hu Jintao invited Lien for a politics-free chat as it was Lien's last night in Beijing.

On April 30 at 11:25, the delegation arrived at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, starting Lien's tour of his birthplace.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438941.htm | title=KMT chairman Lien Chan arrives in Xi'an | work=China Daily | date=April 30, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042427/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438941.htm | url-status=live }} Welcoming Lien were officials of the Shaanxi provincial government, Taiwanese businessmen in mainland China, and children from Lien's elementary school.

At 3 pm Lien returned to Houzaimen Elementary School (then called Beixinjie Elementary), which he had attended 60 years ago. There he gave a speech and watched several presentations by the schoolchildren, among them the soon-famous "{{Interlanguage link|Grandpa, You are back!|zh|3=爷爷您回来了}}" skit reminiscent of the Cultural Revolution.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/detail.asp?id=61807 | title=Thousands greet Lien on visit to Chinese hometown | work=The China Post | date=May 1, 2005 | agency=AP | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Hoo, Stephanie | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040714/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/detail.asp?id=61807 | url-status=live }} Lien later donated to the school library, and the school gave him a {{convert|7|m|0|abbr=on}} long wall scroll in return.

After visiting the school, the delegation visited the Terracotta Army. In the evening, Shaanxi provincial secretary Li Jianguo hosted a Tang dynasty-style banquet for the delegation in the Tang Paradise theme park.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-05/01/content_439007.htm | title=Lien Chan pays nostalgic visit to birthplace | work=China Daily | date=May 1, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042421/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-05/01/content_439007.htm | url-status=live }} Li presented the delegation with prints from the Stele Forest and ancient copperware, Lien in return gave famous Taiwanese glasswork. Later, the delegation watched the musical "Dream Back to the Tang" in the Fengming Jiutian Theatre.

Lien and his family members visited his grandmother's grave in Xi'an on May 1, and burnt incense at the nearby Qingliang Temple.

At 5pm on May 1, Lien arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The next day, Lien cancelled his trip atop the Oriental Pearl Tower and held a press conference at the Shanghai Shangri-la Hotel. He later visited Wang Daohan at Jinjiang Hotel.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/03/61889/KMT-chairman.htm | title=KMT chairman meets 'history maker' Wang | work=The China Post | date=May 3, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034847/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/03/61889/KMT-chairman.htm | url-status=live }} At nine he toured Xintiandi, and took a harbor cruise to view The Bund at night.

On May 3, 1pm, Lien and his delegation flew back to Taipei, via Hong Kong.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61937/KMT-chairman.htm | title=KMT chairman back from mainland | work=The China Post | date=May 4, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034903/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61937/KMT-chairman.htm | url-status=live }}

The state media in mainland China covered the visit in great detail and much of the general public welcomed this delegation with enthusiasm.

The United States declared public support for Lien's visit, stating "diplomacy is the only way to resolve the cross-strait issue." However, the US also stressed that it would like to see the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have talks with Taiwan's current ruling party, as well as the KMT.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/29/61717/US-urges.htm | title=U.S. urges China to open dialogue with Taiwan | work=The China Post | date=April 29, 2005 | agency=AFP | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Yeh, Benjamin | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034725/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/29/61717/US-urges.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/08/2003249589 | title=China must engage everyone: US | work=Taipei Times | date=April 8, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Snyder, Charles | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024539/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/08/2003249589 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/29/2003252389 | title=US says Beijing ought to talk to Chen | work=Taipei Times | date=April 29, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Snyder, Charles | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030402/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/29/2003252389 | url-status=live }} Western political analysts have compared the handshake of Lien and Hu Jintao to that of Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.{{citation needed|date=November 2014}}

The European Union also welcomed the visit, stating they "hope it will prove to be the first positive step in the right direction."{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61763/EU-welcomes.htm | title=EU welcomes China-KMT talks as 'first step' to peace | work=The China Post | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034906/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/30/61763/EU-welcomes.htm | url-status=live }}

In Taiwan, public opinion was split. Polls showed that more than half of the people supported this visit,{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438842.htm | title=Lien takes historical bus to make "journey of peace" | work=China Daily | date=April 30, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | last1=Yu | first1=Zheng | last2=Cheng | first2=Yunjie | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042424/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/30/content_438842.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/26/2003252032 | title=Public divided over trips | work=Taipei Times | date=April 26, 2005 | agency=Central News Agency (Taiwan) | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024526/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/26/2003252032 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252823 | title=Polls suggest public supports Lien Chan's China trip | work=Taipei Times | date=May 2, 2005 | agency=NY Times News Service | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030622/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252823 | url-status=live }} the DPP argued that the People's Republic of China was attempting to play a divide-and-conquer game with Taiwan and causing a "widening schism" among the Taiwanese.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/03/29/2003248169 | title=DPP bashes KMT trip as 'surrender' | work=Taipei Times | date=March 29, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Ko, Shu-ling | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024529/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/03/29/2003248169 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/03/2003248906 | title=Sovereignty undermined by China visit, DPP says | work=Taipei Times | date=April 3, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Huang, Tai-lin | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024543/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/03/2003248906 | url-status=live }} Former ROC President and TSU affiliate Lee Teng-hui condemned the visits of Lien and Soong (see below), calling them sympathizers of mainland China who want to undermine Taiwan's sovereignty.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/22/2003251427 | title=Lien, Soong 'colluding' with China: Lee | work=Taipei Times | date=April 22, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author=Huang, Jewel | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024541/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/22/2003251427 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252819 | title=Lee says Lien visit threatens freedoms | work=Taipei Times | date=May 2, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Huang, Jewel | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030626/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/02/2003252819 | url-status=live }}

Republic of China (ROC) President Chen Shui-bian initially condemned Lien and said that his visit might be in violation of ROC law.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/06/60672/President-threatening.htm | title=President threatening legal action on KMT | work=The China Post | date=April 6, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034857/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/06/60672/President-threatening.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/30/2003252535 | title=MAC warns Lien of legal backlash | work=Taipei Times | date=April 30, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Chen, Melody | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030358/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/04/30/2003252535 | url-status=live }} However, several days later Chen Shui-bian reversed his opinions and showed a cautious goodwill gesture to Lien's visit.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/10/60864/President-warns.htm | title=President warns opposition about Chinese 'traps' | work=The China Post | date=April 10, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034841/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/04/10/60864/President-warns.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/28/2003252277 | title=Chen 'not inconsistent' on PRC trips | work=Taipei Times | date=April 28, 2005 | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author=Huang, Tai-lin | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030459/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/04/28/2003252277 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/08/62122/Chen-in.htm | title=Chen in damage control with DPP | work=The China Post | date=May 8, 2005 | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034916/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/08/62122/Chen-in.htm | url-status=live }} Chen has also altered his stance on Taiwan independence. While during the 2004 Taiwan election, Chen stressed his support for Taiwanese independence; he now says that "both independence and re-unification are options" for Taiwan's future. Political fallout from Lien's trip is believed to have contributed to this change in rhetoric.

Image:Taiwan fruits.jpg

After Lien's visit, the PRC offered three "goodwill gifts" to the ROC: the normalization of tourism, which would allow direct flights across the Taiwan Strait; agricultural trade agreements that would increase sales of Taiwanese produce to mainland China; and two giant pandas for the Taipei Zoo.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-05/03/content_439291.htm | title=Lien Chan welcomes mainland's gestures of goodwill | work=China Daily | date=May 3, 2005 | agency=Xinhua | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129042435/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-05/03/content_439291.htm | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61936/Taipei-rejects.htm | title=Taipei rejects Beijing's three 'gifts' in effect | work=The China Post | date=May 4, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034900/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61936/Taipei-rejects.htm | url-status=live }} After much deliberation, authorities in Taiwan declined the final gift, saying that Taipei Zoo was not suited to the task of nurturing pandas.{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/03/2003252939 | title=MAC looks gift pandas in the month; says 'no thanks' | work=Taipei Times | date=May 3, 2005 | agency=CNA | access-date=November 19, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129030624/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2005/05/03/2003252939 | url-status=live }} This decision was overturned following the election of Ma Ying-jeou to the presidency in March 2008.{{cite news | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/conservation/pandas-make-historic-trip-from-china-to-taiwan/2008/12/24/1229998557954.html | title=Pandas make historic trip from China to Taiwan | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=December 24, 2008 | access-date=July 10, 2009 | author= | archive-date=July 21, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721005646/http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/conservation/pandas-make-historic-trip-from-china-to-taiwan/2008/12/24/1229998557954.html | url-status=live }}

James Soong, leader of the People First Party, followed Lien's visit on May 5 with a 9-day visit of his own.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/06/62033/Soong-arrives.htm | title=Soong arrives in Xian, begins nine-day China trip | work=The China Post | date=May 6, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 14, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034844/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/06/62033/Soong-arrives.htm | url-status=live }} Like Lien, Soong also met with General Secretary Hu Jintao and expressed an interest in increasing cross-strait dialogue.{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/13/62343/Hu-calls.htm | title=Hu calls for conditional negotiations with Chen | work=The China Post | date=May 13, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | location=Taipei | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034918/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/13/62343/Hu-calls.htm | url-status=live }}

Prior to Soong's visit, President Chen extended an invitation to Hu Jintao to visit Taiwan so that he "can see with his own eyes that Taiwan is a sovereign nation."{{cite news | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/05/04/2003253054 | title=China cool on Chen's invitation to Hu | work=Taipei Times | date=May 4, 2014 | agency=AP | access-date=November 18, 2014 | last=Chuang | first=Jimmy | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024532/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/05/04/2003253054 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61935/Taiwan-would.htm | title=Taiwan would welcome visit by Hu, Chen says | work=The China Post | date=May 4, 2005 | agency=TWN | access-date=November 18, 2014 | author= | archive-date=November 29, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129034838/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/news/2005/05/04/61935/Taiwan-would.htm | url-status=live }} However, the CCP continues to show a lack of interest in dealing with Chen and the DPP.{{Update inline|date=December 2018|?=yes}}

• Pan-Blue Coalition
• Chinese Political Parties
• Political status of Taiwan
• History of the Republic of China
• Politics of the Republic of China
• Cross-Strait relations
• 2015 Ma–Xi meeting

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{{Reflist}}

{{Wikinews|Taiwan Kuomintang Party leader Lien Chan meets Hu Jintao in a historical visit to China}}

• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4482617.stm BBC Article]
• [http://www.chinapost.com.tw/archive/detail.asp?cat=1&id=61940 EU hopes China-Taiwan talks will widen in scope] News article on the European Union's support of Lien's visit
• [http://www.chinapost.com.tw/archive/detail.asp?cat=1&id=62031 Lien's triumphal PRC visit may have wide implications] Editorial concerning Lien's visit to China and its impact on Taiwan politics
• [http://www.chinapost.com.tw/archive/detail.asp?cat=1&id=62153 Gift or hot potato?] Taiwan news article on the pandas offered to the Taipei Zoo
• [http://www.chinapost.com.tw/archive/detail.asp?cat=1&id=62154 'Bridge over troubled water'] Taiwan news article on Soong's visit to the PRC
• [http://www.chinapost.com.tw/archive/detail.asp?cat=1&id=62354 Farmers interested in exports to China] Taiwan news article on the agricultural trade deal offered by mainland China
• [http://www.kmt.org.tw/ Kuomintang Official Website] 中國國民黨
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090114163202/http://www.miumu.com/chinesekmt/ Chinese Pan-blue Website] 中國泛藍聯盟

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{{DEFAULTSORT:2005 Pan-Blue Visits To Mainland China}}

Category:Cross-strait relations

Pan-Blue Visits To Mainland China, 2005

Category:2005 in Taiwan