President Xi Jinping and Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou are scheduled to hold face-to-face talks in Singapore on Saturday. The meeting is hailed as a breakthrough in communication between the leaders.

The two sides will exchange views on promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Saturday’s meeting is the first between the leaders from both sides of the Strait in 66 years. The leaders chose not to meet on the Chinese mainland or Taiwan, but in a third place – Singapore. Experts say the city-state is a good location to have this meeting.

Another highlight is that the two leaders will not use official titles but will address each other as “mister”. They will also not sign any agreement, nor deliver a joint communique. Yet positive outcomes are expected to help enhance trust, consolidate common political ground, and advance peaceful development.

In Taiwan, a media survey has indicated that more than 80 percent of people think this meeting is essential. And the international community also has tremendous positive comments on the meeting.

Cross-Strait ties have become increasingly mature. Both sides have solved a range of issues through consultations between non-governmental organizations such as the mainland’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation. And three direct links, referring to direct mail, transport and trade links across the Strait, have been achieved, benefiting people on both sides.

The meeting between Xi and Ma is widely seen as an important start in direct communication between the leaders. Many believe the face-to face talks will signal a new high in cross-Strait relations and safeguard peace and stability in the region.

CCTV’s Su Yuting reports from Beijing.

Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou are to hold face-to-face talks in Singapore

President Xi Jinping and Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou are scheduled to hold face-to-face talks in Singapore on Saturday. The meeting is hailed as a breakthrough in communication between the leaders.

Einar Tangen on Xi-Ma meeting

For more on the meeting between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying Jeou, CCTV America spoke to Einar Tangen in Beijing. He’s a current affairs commentator.

Einar Tangen on Xi-Ma meeting

For more on the meeting between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying Jeou, CCTV America spoke to Einar Tangen in Beijing. He's a current affairs commentator.