The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Taipei

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou pledged not to "budge an inch" on the island's sovereignty dispute with China, on the eve of historic talks with Beijing, it was reported Sunday.

The Hong Kong-born Ma also denied accusations from the pro-independence opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that he was selling out Taiwan to Beijing, in an interview with the Taipei-based United Daily News.

His remarks came a day before the arrival of Chen Yunlin, the highest Chinese official to visit the island in nearly six decades after the two sides split in 1949 at the end of a civil war.

Chen and his Taiwanese counterpart Chiang Pin-kung are expected to sign agreements on direct shipping, air cargo, food safety and a postal service, and the Ma administration has guaranteed that no political issues will be placed on the agenda.

The DPP, which is planning mass demonstrations during Chen's visit, has accused Ma of backing down on sovereignty issues, an accusation he flatly rejects.