The United States has welcomed the Mainland visit by Lien Chan, chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) of China, amid positive global media reaction.

"We believe that steps that increase dialogue, support dialogue, support a peaceful resolution of cross-Straits tension are to be supported, are to be welcomed. And that's the case with the latest visit (of Lien)," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli told a press conference on Tuesday.

"We support the expansion of those kinds of contacts," the spokesman said in reply to questions about the US official stand on the eye-catching event.

Spanish newspapers on Wednesday saluted Lien's "journey for peace," asserting his Mainland tour is conducive to easing tensions across the Taiwan Straits.

The country's ABC newspaper said the KMT leader's visit to the Mainland bears great historic significance, unfolding peace talks between the KMT and the Communist Party of China (CPC) after decades of standoff.

The Asia News Time newspaper in Thailand commended Lien's visit as a turning point for relations across the Taiwan Straits.

"Though it's not a visit on behalf of the authorities of Taiwan, Lien's trip indicates people's willingness on both sides of the Straits to improve contacts and peaceful exchanges," the Chinese-language daily said in an editorial on Wednesday.

Besides, it will promote mutual respect if top party leaders hold direct contacts. The two sides of the Taiwan Straits will start a new form of relationship as a result, the newspaper said in reference to a meeting slated for Friday between Lien and CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao.

Malaysia's Sin Chew Daily praised the "ice-breaking trip" by Lien, stressing the historic significance of the visit amid cross-Straits tensions caused by secessionists pushing for "Taiwan independence" in recent years.

Looking forward to fruitful talks between Hu and Lien, the newspaper said overseas Chinese hope the historic meeting will greatly promote cross-Straits dialogue, exchanges and other activities beneficial for the peaceful reunification of China.

At the invitation of the CPC Central Committee and Hu, Lien and a KMT delegation kicked off a week-long visit to the Mainland on Tuesday. It is the first visit to the Mainland by a top KMT leader since 1949.

James Soong, chairman of Taiwan's People First Party, is also scheduled to visit the Mainland on May 5-12.