Bosses defy trade warning
Bosses from more than 12 leading firms have signed up to meet a Chinese business delegation in Taipei today, despite the Government's warnings over mainland investments.
The delegation, the first Chinese trade group in Taiwan since Deng Xiaoping's death last month, includes some of the highest-ranking mainland officials to set foot on the island.
Chief executives from more than a dozen of Taiwan's biggest industrial consortiums have signed up for appointments with members of the delegation, headed by Liu Zhentao , director of economic affairs at the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.
The group, expected in Taiwan for 13 days, comprises seven department chiefs, including some from the State Planning Commission, and Taiwanese affairs officials from the Shanghai municipal government and the Hubei provincial government.
In view of political sensitivities, the Taiwanese hosts, the Chinese National Federation of Industries, invited the delegation for an 'inspection tour' as advisers to the private Cross-Strait Economic Technology Co-operation Centre.
Observers said the group's arrival indicated Beijing was increasing pressure on Taiwan following President Lee Teng-hui's plea to Taiwanese businessmen for caution and restraint in mainland investments.
