China Feature: Week in Review --- The "Chinese Dream" with Taiwan, Protecting Ships Near Somalia (Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) with Lien Chan of Taiwan's Kuomintang Party

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Isabel Lin writes for EA:

President Promotes Cross-strait Ties with Taiwan

President Xi Jinping met with Lien Chan, the visiting Honorary Chairman of the Kuomintang Party, Lien Chan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday.

The Kuomintang were the long-time rulers of China before the Communist Party took control in 1949, moving to the island of Taiwan after the Revolutionary. China does not recognise an independent Taiwan, claiming it as part of "one nation", but does maintain a relationship with the Kuomintang.

In the first meeting between senior officials after the 18th Communist Party Congress, Xi expressed his hope that those on both sides of the Taiwan Strait can cooperate:

If the brothers are of the same mind, their sharpness can cut through metal. "We sincerely hope Taiwan can develop along with the mainland and compatriots from both sides of the Strait can join hands in realising the "Chinese dream".

The Kuomintang's Lien first visited China in 2005 at the invitation of Xi's predecessor, Hu Jintao.

China's 14th Escort Fleet Sails for Somalia/strong>

Three Chinese ships sailed this week to the Gulf of Aden and Somalian waters for escort missions, protecting civilian shipping from piracy.

The fleet --- the missile destroyer Harbin, the frigate Mianyang, and the supply ship Weishanhu -- carried two helicopters and 730 troops.

Missile destroyer Harbin (right) with supply ship Weishanhu in the South China Sea

Since December 2008, operating under UN authority, the Chinese navy has organised 14 fleets to the area, escorting 5046 Chinese and foreign ships. More than 50 Chinese and foreign ships have been rescued or assisted during the missions.

Official Expelled for "Appetite for Luxury"

A provincial official has been expelled from the Communist Party for his “callous attitude” and “taste for luxury wristwatches”.

The Shaanxi Government said Yang Dacai, chief of the Provincial Safety Inspection Bureau, had been found guilty of “serious violations of discipline” while in office and was suspected of unspecified crimes.

Yang first came to public attention last year over a photo in which he was inappropriately grinning at the spot of a highway accident in which 36 people was killed. Later on-line pictures raised anger as Yang was shown wearing different luxury wristwatches at public occasions.

Yang, unlike other officials who ignore such criticism, responded to the on-line anger, winning a temporary respite from Party action.

Further Tax Reform Likely

China will explore tax reforms related to personal income, property, and social security, a senior official from the Ministry of Finance has said.

Jia Chen said the Government must consider taxes as a means of redistributing income, with higher taxes on the wealthy.

Jia said property taxes for residential housing will be gradually expanded from the cities of Shanghai and Chongqing to other Chinese cities, with reforms on taxes of commercial property.

Jia also proposed levying taxes to establish a sound mechanism for funding social security.

The government unveiled guidelines to address income distribution in early February, amid growing public concern over the widening wealth gap.

Picture of the Week

The Lantern Festival, following the Lunar New Year, in Shengfang in Hebei Province: