First high-level meeting between Taipei and Hong Kong

Ma says the 'one country, two systems' model is not suitable for Taiwan

By Kirsty Alfredson
CNN.com Correspondent

HONG KONG, China (CNN) -- In another sign of thawing cross-Strait relations, the mayor of Taipei met with the Beijing-backed Chief Executive of Hong Kong.

The democratically elected mayor, Ma Ying-jeou met Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa at Government House in Hong Kong on Tuesday and invited him to Taiwan.

Tung told a packed media conference that he would visit Taipei but significantly added that it would be at the "appropriate time".

It is the first high-level meeting between Taipei and Hong Kong since the handover of the former British colony to China in July 1997.

Ma is considered a rising star in the Kuomingtang party, which ruled Taiwan for half a century until its electoral defeat by current President Chen Shui-bian's Democratic Progressive Party in March last year.

His visit is seen by observers as an important sign of improving Taiwan-China relations. Analysts say it is unimaginable the trip could have taken place without the approval of Beijing.

Hong Kong model not suitable

China demands that Taiwan reunify with the mainland and has suggested an arrangement similar to the 'one country, two systems' model implemented when Britain returned Hong Kong to China.

Ma says that model would not be suitable as Taiwan is in a different situation.

Ma's visit has been given top-billing by Hong Kong's media

He is in the territory on the invitation of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute, which is led by Tung's special advisor Paul Yip.

During his five day visit, the Taipei Mayor has said the Taiwanese would not oppose reunification but it must be based on democracy, freedom and equal wealth.

He also revealed the Shanghai city government has invited him to mainland China in an official capacity but the trip is yet to be approved by Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council.

The mayor has been given almost rock star treatment during his stay, with the Hong Kong media covering his every move, even an early morning jog.

The Harvard-educated mayor, who last paid a visit to Hong Kong in 1999, arrived in the territory on Sunday.

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