BEIJING, April 26 -- Lien Chan is set to embark on what he calls a "journey of peace" to the mainland. Experts on the Taiwan question noted it will also help establish cross-Straits dialogue between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China. Meanwhile, Taiwan business people on the mainland are looking forward to his visit, hoping it can bring more opportunities to both sides.

　　Taiwan businessman Su Guoguang has been observing cross-straits relations since 1987, when the Taiwan people could again visit their relatives on the mainland. He said that currently, millions of Taiwan business people and their relatives are living on the mainland, accounting for 25 percent of all Taiwan people. He hopes Lien Chan's visit lead to agreements on issues of charter flights et cetera.

　　Su Guoguang, Taiwan businessman, said, "Any visit can bring information back to Taiwan and the Taiwan government can use this feedback well. It doesn't matter which party it is. What matters is that it can benefit both sides."

　　Experts say that Lien Chan's mainland visit is of great significance to relieve and reconcile relations between Taiwan and the mainland.

　　During the weeklong four-city trip, the KMT leader is scheduled to hold talks with leaders of the Communist Party of China on issues ranging from agricultural products to charter flights, which are considered important by Taiwan people.

　　Polls in Taiwan show that a majority of Taiwan people support Lien Chan's mainland visit.

　　However, experts say because the KMT is in opposition, and independence forces still exist, cross-Straits relations have a long way to go.

　　(Source: CCTV.com)