"We respect the social system and way of living chosen by Taiwan compatriots, and would also like to share the opportunities brought by the mainland's development with Taiwan compatriots first," he said.

The meeting between Xi and Lien came one week after a historic meeting between Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office and his Taiwan counterpart Wang Yu-chi in Nanjing.

During what was the first formal official meeting since 1949, both sides agreed to open a regular communication channel between their departments.

Questions:

1. Which Taiwan leader met with President Xi ?

2. When did cross-Straits relations begin to significantly improve?

3. Which other mainland and Taiwan leaders met, one week before Xi and Lien?

Answers:

1. Lien Chan.

2. 2005.

3. Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office and his Taiwan counterpart, Wang Yu-chi in Nanjing.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.

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