Su Chi, former chief of the National Security Council, said in an interview with the Taipei-based United Daily News that the sensitive channels from 2008 helped build trust between the longtime foes. He said the National Security Council did not talk directly to authorities on the mainland, but declined to provide details of the secret channels.
Taiwan's ties with its giant neighbour have improved markedly since President Ma Ying-jeou came to power in 2008, pledging to boost trade links and allowing in more Chinese tourists. (Source: AFP, May 16, 2010).