The United States emphasises its belief that dialogue is the only way to ease the tension between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

"We obviously followed developments really closely in this region. We welcome dialogue between Beijing and major figures in Taiwan because we believe diplomacy is the only way to resolve the cross-strait issue." said Scott McClellan, the White House spokesman.

Lien Chan heads for Beijing today. He will meet President Hu Jintao, who is also chief of the Chinese Communist Party Friday. It's the highest-level contact between the mainland and Taiwan in almost six decades.

Source: Xinhua/RIENGLISH.com