Communist Party chief Hu Jintao's welcome yesterday for his second guest from Taiwan's opposition camp in less than two weeks was an almost carbon copy of the first.
At exactly 3pm, the mainland leader emerged at the pre-determined meeting point in the Great Hall of the People, just a minute before People First Party chairman James Soong Chu-yu arrived for the landmark talks.
Mr Hu was first to extend his hand to Mr Soong, who responded by shaking it.
On being introduced to Mr Soong's wife, Viola Chan Wan-shui, Mr Hu shook her hand and said: 'Welcome to the mainland.'
The reception appeared to be a little more business-like than that for Kuomintang chairman Lien Chan, with both leaders exchanging greetings formally and politely.
As he did when receiving Mr Lien on April 29, Mr Hu invited Mr Soong to pose for the photographers gathered for the event. And, as before, he advised Mr Soong to offer them three different angles.
