There are indications of a new willingness on the part of Taiwan to kick-start talks with Beijing and make headway in setting up direct links between the two.
Overtures to Beijing have been made in recent days by Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President Annette Lu Hsiu-lien.
Government officials in Taipei also announced on Wednesday that certain restrictions on trade and travel between the mainland and a group of outlying Taiwanese islands would be eased.
While statements and actions from Taiwanese leaders continue to be directed at a domestic audience as much as at Beijing, there is a danger in reading too much into the latest developments.
Nevertheless, there is a feeling in Taipei that Taiwanese leaders are making more of an effort than Beijing to resolve the long-standing differences over Taiwan's ultimate status.
Writing in the Taipei Journal, published by Taiwan's Government Information Office, National Security Council adviser Lin Chong-pin recently praised Mr Chen's 'prudent and practical' policy towards China.