E-Paper
Taiwan Beer the toast of China's Asian Games
Fast-warming ties between China and Taiwan can be toasted at the Asian Games in Guangzhou -- with a Taiwan Beer.
Fast-warming ties between China and Taiwan can be toasted at the Asian Games in Guangzhou -- with a Taiwan Beer.
Ties between the island and its giant neighbour have improved since Ma Ying-jeou of the China-friendly Kuomintang party swept to power in 2008 on a platform of ramping up trade links and allowing in more Chinese tourists.
And in the latest sign of good cheer between the former bitter rivals, Taiwan Beer is one of a group of six "partners" of the 2010 Games in the southern metropolis.
Ironically, its availability comes at an event where China insists Taiwan is referred to as Chinese Taipei.
According to the official Games website, the beer is Taiwan's top brand and gained a Chinese trademark on the mainland in May 2009.
China and Taiwan forged a landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement in June, which became effective in mid-September and is the most sweeping pact penned by the two.
The ECFA is widely considered the boldest step yet towards reconciliation between the former rivals, which split after the end of a civil war in 1949.
But China still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary.